REMARKABLE
VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS
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Remarkable
Voyages & Shipwrecks
Being
^ POPULAR COLLECTION OF EXTRA OBBIJ^ ART
AJfD AUTHEJ^TIC SEA J^ARRATIYES
RELATING TO ALL PARTS
OF THE GLOBE
By
George Winslow Barrington
AUTHOR OF
*' T1i6 Great Arctic Explorers.'* '* Lives of Distingiiisk«d
Sailoi's" dcc.y <C-c.
THIRD EDITION— ILLUSTRATED
LONDON
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KKNT & CO
GLASGOW: THOMAS D. M ORISON
Preface.
In a country such as Great Britian, where almost every
individual is more or less connected with the fortune of the
sea, each aspect or side of nautical life must be viewed with
peculiar interest. Our history, our security, and our riches,
alike rest in our dominion over the ocean. The ocean
has been to us a sort of national nursery for the develop-
ment of that enterprising and courageous spirit which has
characterised our race. It also proves an impassable barrier
to our foes, and at the same time gives us abundant gcope
for the development and extension of our empire even to
the most remote portions of the globe. In these, and in
many other respects, we are greatly different from most
nationalities.
In the circumstances, no wonder that every aspect of life
on the ocean is of immense interest to ourselves. And that
the literature in our language, connected with the sea is
multitudinous, dealing as it does with all phases of nautical
life whether historical, practical, or narrative in character.
The present volume deals with only two aspects, namely
thai of remarkable voyages and of remarkable shipwrecks.
These two sections are a good deal allied and indeed often
combined. Then again the present collection of remarkable
voyages and shipwrecks is purposely somewhat limited in
scope. For instance it does not include voyages or wrecks of
steam ships, nor does it include any shipwrecks on our own,
or neighbouring coasts, with the single exception of the short
account of the Spanish Armada.
6 PREFACE,
The narratives here presented are all connected with
sailing ships. They have also all taken place on the shores
of foreign and far distant countries with the single exception
referred to, or out in the ocean. It seemed desirable to limit
the present collection in these respects, as its size would not
permit of it being quite comprehensive in all aspects. But
by confining the volume to these features, it permits of the
collection being fairly complete in its own department. In
these pages will be found all the most interesting and beet
authenticated narratives of the nature mentioned. Another
reason for limiting the character of the collection is, that as
narratives or true stories of the sea, the type of voyage re-
ferred to, is infinitly more interesting than the purely
harrowing scenes of a sudden shipwreck, especially if a s4;eam
ship. The accounts here given are all authentic, and yet as
tales of adventure are absolutely unsurpassed by any sea tales
of imagination that have ever been written.
Happily one can now read these extraordinary tales of
adventure, suffering, and privation as to a great extent not
so much relating to ourselves as to our forefathers. The
perils of the ocean can never be entirely overcome, but
fortunately since the introduction of steam, human life is much
less at the mercy of the elements. It is indeed a matter for
congratulation that year by year increased safety in
traversing all portions of the globe by sea is being attained.
Still these extraordinary narratives of the dangers and
hardships encountered by our forefathers must always have
a charm for their descendants.
Contents.
^ Loss OF THE Nottingham Galley, on the
Coast of North America, . . .13
Loss OF H.M.S. Alceste in the Chinese
Seas, . . . . .24
Loss OF H.M.S. Centaur in the West Indies, 33
Extraordinary Famine on board the American
Ship Peggy, . . . ,42
Loss OF THE Grosvenor, East Indiaman, on the
Coast of Africa, . . . .46
Loss OF THE Brig Tyrrel on the coast of North
America, . . . . ,62
6 CONTENTS.
Loss OF H.M.S. Wager on the Coast of Pata-
gonia, . . . . .72
Extraordinary Adventures and Shipwreck
OF Captain Ro.^erts, in the West Indies, . 98
Dreadful Sufferings of Six Deserters on
the Atlantic Ocean, . . . 105
Capture by Pirates of The Bird, , .109
Loss of the American Ship Hercules, on the
Coast of Caffraria, . . .117
Destruction by Fire of the Prince, off the
Coast of Brazil, . . . .129
Loss OF H.M.S. Nautilus, in the Greek Archi-
peligo, . . . • .140
CONTENTS. 9
Loss OF THE Francis and Charlotte off the
Coast of India, . . . .150
Destruction by Fire of the New Hoorn, in
the East Indies, , . . .163
Loss of the Barrett, Water- Logged on the
Atlantic Ocean, . . , .172
Dreadful Sufferings of Captain Woodard
and Companions, in the Malay Archi-
pelago, . . , . .179
Loss OF THE Porpoise and Cato, off the Coast
of Australia, . . , .193
Loss OF THE Lady Hobart, off the Coast of
Newfoundland, . . . .202
10 CONTENTS.
Loss OF H.M.S. Atalante, off the Coast of
New Brunswick, . , , .214
Sufferings During Winter of Eight Seamen
in Greenland, . . . , *?-l9
Loss OF THE Meduse, on the West Coast of
Africa, . . . . .234
Loss OF THE WiNTERTON, off the Coast of
Madagascar, . . . .242
Loss OF THE DoDDiNGTON, Near the Cape of
Good Hope, .... 255
Loss OF THE Betsey, in the West Indies, . 271
Loss OF the Neva, Convict Ship, at the
Entrance of Baas Straits, . . . 282
CONTENTS, 11
Loss OF THE St. Lawrence, off the Coast of
North America, .... 287
Loss OF THE Bangalore, in the East Indies, . 304
Loss OF THE Duke William on the Atlantic
Ocean, . . , . .317
Burning of the Luxborough, in the West
Indies, ..... 333
Loss OF the Princess of Wales, at the Crozette
Islands, . . . , .341
The Original Robinson Crusoe, being an
Account of Alexander Selkirk's Island Life, 348
The Loss By Fire of the Earl of Eldon, in
the East Indies, . . . .355
12 CONTENTS.
Loss OF H.M.S. Pembroke, near Fort St.
David in the East Indies, . . , 360
Loss OF THE Sparrow- Hawk, in the Sea of
COREA, . . . . .365
The Story of the Spanish Armada, . . 386
The Mutiny of the Bounty and the Wreck of
the Pandora, . . • . 396
Loss OF Duke of Cumberland, in the West
Indies, ..... 426
Remarkable
YOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
LOSS OF THE
NOTTINGHAM GALLEY
ON THK
COAST OF NORTH AMERICA.
The Nottingham galley, of 120 tons, and mounting ten guns,
commanded by John Dean, having taken in cordage in
England, and butter, cheese, &c., in Ireland, sailed for Boston,
in New England, on September 25th, 1710, having on board
a crew of fourteen men.
Having met with contrary winds and bad weather, it was
the beginning of December when they first made land, which
was to the eastward of Piscat)aqua. They then proceeded
southward for the Bay of Massachusetts, under a hard gale
of wind at north-east, accompanied with rain, haU, and snow
having had no observation for ten or twelve days.
On the 11th December they handed all the sails, with the
exception of the foresail and main-topsail double reefed,
ordering one hand forward to look out. About eight or nine
o'clock, upon the captain going forward, he discovered
breakers a-head, and instantly called out to put the helm
hard a-starboard; before the ship could wear, she struck
upon the east end of the rock called Boon Island, four leagues
to the eastward of Piscataqua. The second or third sea hove
the ship alongside of it, and the sea running very high, the
ship laboured so excessively, that they were not able to stand
upon deck ; and the weather was so thick and dark, that
though they were not above thirty or forty yards distant from
the rock, they could not see it. The captain called all hands
down to the cabin, where they continued a few minutes,
earnestly supplicating the mercy of heaven ; yet knowing
that prayers, without endeavours, were vain, all hands were
14 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
ordered up again to cut away the masts, but several of the
men were so oppressed by the terrors of conscience, that they
were incapable of any exertion. They, however, cut the
weathermost shrouds, and the ship heeling towards the rock,
the force of the sea soon broke the masts so that they fell
towards the shore.
One of the men went out on the bowsprit, and thinking
he saw something black ahead, determined to venture on
shore, in company with another, and to give notice by their
calls if they succeeded in gaining the rock. While they were
gone, the captain, recollecting some money and papers that
might be of use, went down and opened the place in which
they were ; but the ship bulging, her decks opened, her back
broke, and her beams gave way, so that the stern sunk almost
under water ; he was, therefore, obliged to hasten forward to
escape instant death.
Having heard nothing of the men who had gone before, he
concluded they were lost ; but, notwithstanding, he was under
the necessity of making the same adventure upon the fore-
mast, moving gradually forward between every sea, till at
last quitting it, he threw himself, with all the strength he
had, towards the rock ; but it being low water, and the rock
extremely slippery, he could get no hold, and tore his fingers,
hands, and arms, in the most deplorable manner, every wash
of the sea carrying him off again, so that it was with the
utmost peril and difficulty that he got safe on shore at last.
The remainder of the crew ran the same hazard, but through
the mercy of Providence they all escaped with their lives.
The captain, after endeavouring to discharge the salt water,
and creeping a little way up the rock, heard the voices of the
men who had first ventured on the bowsprit, and by ten
o'clock the whole were assembled, when, with grateful hearts,
they returned their humble thanks to Providence for their
deliverance from such imminent danger. They then
endeavoured to gain shelter to the leeward of the rock, but
found it so small and inconsiderable that it would afford none,
and so very craggy that they could not walk to keep them-
selves warm, the weather continuing extremely cold, with
snow and rain.
As soon as daylight appeared, they went towards the
place where they come on shore, with the expectation of
meeting with some provisions from the wreck, enough for
their support, but found only some pieces of the yards and
LOSS OF NOTTINGHAM GALLEY. 15
masts among some old junk and cables which the anchors
had prevented being carried away. Out of the ship's stores,
were some pieces of plank and timber, old sails, canvas, &c.
driven on shore, but nothing eatable except some small pieces
of cheese, which they picked up among the rock-weed.
They now used their utmost endeavours to get a fire,
having a flint and steel with them, and also by a drill, with
a very swift motion ; but having nothing but what had long
been soaked with water, all their attempts proved ineffectual ;
and at night they were stowed one upon another under the
canvas in the best manner they could to keep each other warm.
The next day, as the weather cleared a little, and was
inclining to frosD, they went out, and perceiving the main land,
they knew where they were, and comforted themselves with
the hope of being discovered by fishing shallops. The
captain desired the men to search for, and bring up what
planks, carpenter's tools, and stores they could find, in order
to build a tent and a boat. The cook then complained that
he was almost starved, and his countenance discovering his
illness, he was ordered to remain behind, with two or three
more whom the frost had seized ; but he died about noon,
upon which they laid the body in a convenient place for the
sea to carry away. At this time no mention was made of
eating him, although several afterwards acknowledged that
they had thoughts of doing so.
After they had been two or three days in this situation,
the weather was so extremely cold, that the hands and feet
of some of the crew were affected to such a degree, as to take
away the sense of feeling, and render them almost useless ;
and the benumbing and discolouration was such, as to give
them reason to apprehend mortification. They pulled off
their shoes, and cut off their boots ; and in getting off their
stockings, many of them, whose legs were blistered, pulled
off skin and all, and some the nails of their toes. They then
wrapped up their legs and feet as warmly as they could, in
oakum and canvas.
They now began to construct a tent in a triangular form,
each side being about eight feet, and covered it with the old
sails and canvas that came on shore, and fixed a staff on the
top, upon which, as often as the weather would permit, they
hoisted a piece of cloth in the form of a flag, in order to
discover themselves to any vessel that might approach.
Within the tent there was only room for each man to lie
le VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
down on one side, so that none could turn excepting all
turned, which was done about every two hours, upon notice
being given.
Their next operation was building a boat, with the planks
and timber belonging to the wreck ; their only tools being a
hammer, a mallet, and the blade of a cutlass, which they
made into a saw with their knives. They found some nails
in the clefts of the rock, and obtained some others from the
sheathing. They laid three planks flat for the bottom, with
two upon each side, fixed to stanchions and let into the
bottom timbers, with two short pieces at each end, and one
breadth of new Holland duck round the sides to keep out the
spray of the sea, and caulked all they could with oakum
drawn from the old junk, and the remainder they filled up
with long pieces of canvas. They then fixed a short mast
and square-sail, with seven paddles to row, and a longer one
to steer. But the carpenter, whose services were now most
wanted, was, through illness, incapacitated from offering
either assistance or advice, and with the exception of the
captain and two more, the remainder were so benumbed and
feeble that they were unable to stir.
After remaining about a week upon the rock, with no other
provisions than the pieces of cheese before mentioned, and
some beef bones, which they ate after beating them to pieces,
they saw three boats at about five leagues distance, which, it
may easily be imagined, made them rejoice with the pleasing
hope that their deliverance was near. The captain directed
all the men to creep out of the tent, and halloo together as
loud as their strength would permit ; they also made what
signals they could ; but all was in vain, for those in the boats
neither saw nor heard them. It was, however, some allevia-
tion to the bitterness of their disappointment to presume,
that as the boats came from the south-west, and the wind
was north-east when they were cast away, that their distress
might have been made known by the wreck driving on shore,
and that the boats were come out in search of them. Thus
they buoyed themselves up with the pleasing, but delusive,
hopes of deliverance. Just before they finished the boat, the
carpenter's axe was fortunately oast upon the rock, by which
they were enabled to complete their work; but they had
scarcely sufficient strength to get her into the water.
The following day, which was the 21st of December, the
weather being fine, and the water soomther than they had
LOSS OF NOTTINGHAM GALLEY. 17
yet seen it, they consulted as to who should attempt to
launch the hoat. The captaiD, who was the strongest of the
party, and therefore most capable of undergoing the fatigue,
volunteered as one, and the mate offering himself was accepted,
together with the captain's brother and four more. Thus
commending their enterprise to Providence, all that were
able came out, and with great difficulty got their patched-up
boat to the water*s-edge, where, the surf running very high,
they were obliged to wade some distance to launch her ; upon
which the captain and another got in, when in an instant the
swell or the sea drove the boat on shore and overset her,
whereby the miserable adventurers narrowly escaped drown-
ing. Their frail boat was dashed to pieces, their enterprise
totally disappointed, and their hopes utterly destroyed.
What added to their distress, and served to aggravate the
miserable prospect before them, was the loss of their axe and
hammer, which were in the boat, and which might have been
of great use, should they afterwards attempt to construct a
raft. Yet they had reason to admire the goodness of God in
thus providing for their safety through their disappointment,
for in the afternoon it blew so hard a gale, that had they been
at sea in their poor apology for a boat, they must inevitably
have perished ; and those that remained on the rock being
helpless from weakness, must very soon have shared the
same fate.
They were now reduced to the most melancholy and
deplorable condition that can well be imagined ; almost every
man was weak to an extremity, nearly starved with hunger,
and perishing with cold ; their hands and feet frozen and
mortified, with large and deep ulcers on their legs, the smell
of which was intolerable to those who could not creep into
the open air, and nothing with which to dress them but a
piece of linen that was cast on shore They had no fire, their
small stock of cheese was exhausted, and the only support
for their feeble bodies, was rock-weed and muscles ; and of
these the supply was so scanty, that they had never more
than two or three a day for each man, so that their bodies
were perishing, while their disconsolate spirits were over-
powered by the deplorable prospect of starving, without any
appearance of relief ; and, as if to add to this accumulation
of calamities, they apprehended the approaching spring-tide
would overtiow them. Description fails in attempting to
pourtray the horrors of such a situation ; the pinching cold
18 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and hunger ; the extremity of weakness and pain ; the racking
tortures of conscience in many ; and the prospect of a certain,
painful, and lingering death, without even the most remote
chance of deliverance. This is, indeed, the height of misery,
and such, alas ! was their case ; insomuch, that the greater
part of the company were ready to die of horror and despair.
The captain, however, did his utmost to encourage himself
and exhort the crew to put their trust in the Almighty, and
with patient resignation to await their deliverance ; when, as
a slight alleviation of their distress, and an encouragement of
their faith in Providence, a sea-gull came near their quarters,
which the mate struck down, and joyfully brought to them.
The captain immediately divided it into equal portions which
though raw, and scarcely affording a mouthful for each, yet
they ate it with heartfelt gratitude.
The last method of rescuing themselves which they could
possibly devise, was the construction of a raft, capable of
carrying two men, and this proposal was strongly supported
by one of the men, a Swede, who was a stout brave fellow,
but who had, since the disaster, lost the use of both his feet
by the frost. He frequently importuned the captain to
attempt their deliverance in the way he proposed, offering to
accompany him, or if the captain refused he would go alone.
After deliberate consultation, they resolved to try the
experiments ; but found great difficulty in clearing away the
junk from the fore-yard, of which it was chiefly to be made,
as their working hands were so few and weak.
Having at last accomplished this they split the yard, and
with the two parts made side pieces, to which they fixed
others, and added some of the lightest planks they could find,
first spiking and afterwards making them firm. The raft
was four feet in breadth, upon which they fixed a mast, and
out of two hammocks that came on shore, they made a sail ;
they also made a paddle for each man, and a spare one in
case of necessity. This difficulty being thus surmounted, tha
Swede inquired of the captain whether he intended to
accompany him, at the same time giving him to understand,
that in case he declined, there was another ready to offer
himself for the enterprise ; but just at this time they saw a
sail come out of the Piscataque river, about seven leagues to
the westward. They again made all the signal they could ;
but the wind being north-west, and the ship standing east-
LOSS OF NOTTINGHAM GALLEY. 19
ward, to their bitter disappointment, she was very soon out
of sight, without having come near them.
The next day the weather was moderate, and in the after-
noon, a light breeze blew right on shore. As the raft was
finished, the two men were very anxious to have it launched,
but this the mate strenuously opposed, on account of the
lateness of the day, it being two o'clock in the afternoon.
The men urged the lightness of the nights, and, after some
delay, the captain at length consented to their proceeding.
They both got upon the raft, when the swell of the sea,
which was rolling very high, overset it, as it had before done
the boat ; but the Swede, nothing daunted by the accident,
swam on shore, while the other, who was no swimmer, was
for some time under water, till the captain caught hold of
him and saved him ; but he was so discouraged, that he would
not make a second attempt.
The Swede was resolute in his purpose, and offered to go
alone if no one would adventure with him ; but another man
came down and volunteered to accompany him, upon which
they departed on the raft, desiring those who remained to go
to prayers, and also to watch what became of them. By
sunset they judged them to be half-way to the main, and
concluded they might reach the shore by two o'clock in the
morning. They, however, fell in with some breakers, or, pro-
bably, were over-set by the violence of the sea, and perished ;
for two days afterwards, the raft was found on shore, and one
man dead about a mile from it : but the Swede, who was so
forward to adventure, was never heard of more.
Those who remained upon the rock being ignorant what
had befallen the others, waited daily for their deliverance ;
and their expectations were the more raised, by observing a
smoke in the woods about two days afterwards, which was
the signal appointed to be made if they arrived safe ; but
seeing no appearance of approaching relief, they supposed
that the delay was occasioned by their not being able to
procure a vessel so soon as they desired, and this idea served
greatly to buoy up their spirits.
Their principal want was that of provisions, as they had
nothing to eat but rock-weed, and a very few muscles, and
when the spring-tide was over, they could scarcely get any
at all. Upon their first arrival, they saw several seals upon
the rock, and supposing they might harbour there in the
night, the captain, who was the only one among them capable
20 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of exertion, walked round at midnight, but could never meet
with anything. They likewise saw a great number of birds,
but they were never able to catch any. This was a severe
disappointment, and tended to aggravate their miseries still
more; but it was particularly afflicting to the captain's
brother, and another young gentleman, neither of whom had
before been at sea, or endured any kind of hardship ; and
they were now reduced to the last extremity, having no one
but the captain capable of assisting them.
Part of a green hide, which was fastened to a piece of the
main-yard, being thrown up by the sea, they divided it
among them, and, after mincing it small, they swallowed it.
About this time the captain set the men to open the junk,
and when the weather would permit, he thatched the tent
with rope-yarn, in the best manner he was able, which proved
of so much service, as to keep out two or three hours' rain,
and saved them, in a great measure, from the cold pinching
wind, which was very severe.
About the latter end of December, the carpenter, a fat
man, and naturally of a dull, heavy, phlegmatic disposition,
about forty-seven years, and who from their first coming on
shore, had been constantly very ill, and lost the use of his
feet, complained of excessive pain in his back, and stiffness
in his neck : he was likewise almost choked with phlegm, for
want of strength to discharge it, and appeared to be drawing
near his end. They prayed over him, and used their utmost
to be serviceable to him in his last moments, for which he
showed himself sensible, though he was speechless, and at night
he died. They suffered the body to remain till morning, when
the captain desired those who were most able to remove it,
and went out by himself to see whether Providence had sent
them anything to satisfy the excessive cravings of their
appetites : but returning before noon, and not seeing the body
outside the tent, he inquired why they had not removed it, to
which they answered, they were not able: upon this, he
fastened a rope to the body, and giving them his asssistance,
they with some difficulty, dragged it out of the tent. The
captain was so overcome by fatigue, and the consideration
of their misery that, being ready to faint, he crept into the
tent ; but was no sooner there, than, as if to add to his trouble,
the men began to request his permission to eat the dead body,
the better to support their own lives.
This was to him of all the trials he had undergone the
LOSS OF NOTTINGHAM GALLEY. 21
most grievous and shocking — to see himself and company,
who, but three weeks before, had come there laden with pro-
visions, now reduced to such a deplorable situation ; two of
them absolutely starved to death, while, ignorant of the fate
of two more, the remainder, though still living, were reduced
to the last extremity, and requiring to eat the dead for their
support After mature consideration of the lawfulness or
sinfulness on the one hand, and absolute necessity on the
other, judgment and conscience were obliged to submit to
the more prevailing arguments of their craving appetite*.
They, at length, determined to satisfy their hunger, and sup-
port their feeble bodies with the carcase of their deceased
companion. The captain ordered the skin, head, feet, hands,
and bowels to be thrown into the sea, and the body to be
quartered for the convenience of drying and carriage; but
Again received for answer, that none of them were able to do
it, and an earnest entreaty that he would perform that duty
for them. This was a hard task, but their incessant prayers
and entreaties at last prevailed over his reluctance, and by
night he completed the operation.
Part of the flesh he cut into thin slices, and washing it in
salt water, brought it into the tent, and obliged the men to
eat rock-weed with it instead of bread ; but the mate and
two others refused to eat any that night, although the next
morning they complied, and earnestly desired to partake with
the rest.
The captain soon found that they all ate with the utmost
avidity, so that he was obliged to carry the quarters further
from the tent, to be out of their reach, lest, by over-eating,
they should injure themselves, and likewise expend their
small stock too soon ; he also limited each man to an equal
portion, that they might not quarrel, or have cause to reflect
on one another ; and this method he was the more obliged to
adopt, for in a few days he found their dispositions entirely
changed, and the affectionate, peaceable temper they had
hitherto manifested, totally lost. Their eyes looked wild
and staring, and their countenances fierce and barbarous.
Instead of obeying his commands, as they had universally
and cheerfully done before, he now found that even prayers
and entreaties were in vain, and nothing was to be heard but
brutal quarrels with horrid oaths and imprecations, instead
of the quiet and submissive spirit of prayer and supplication
which they had previously manifested.
22 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
This dreadful state of things, coupled with the dismal
prospect of future want, obliged the captain to keep a strict
watch over the remainder of the dead body, lest any of them
should get to it ; as, if they were spent, they would be obliged
to feed on the living, which they certainly must have done
had they remained a few days longer ; but the goodness of
God began now to appear, by putting it into the hearts of the
good people on the shore to which their raft was driven, to
come out in search of them, which they did on the morning of
the 2nd of January.
Just as he was creeping out of the tent, the captain
observed a shallop, about half-way from the shore, standing
directly towards them. It is impossible for imagination to
conceive, or language to express, the joy and satisfaction
which they felt at the prospect of such a speedy and un-
expected deliverance. The boat came to an anchor at the
distance of about one hundred yards, the swell preventing
her from approaching nearer ; but her anchor coming home,
obliged the crew to stand off till about noon, waiting for
smoother water upon the flood. Upon the boat nearing the
shore, the captain gave her crew an account of all their
miseries, excepting their want of provisions, which he did
not mention, lest the apprehension of bad weather might
prevent the people in the shallop from coming on shore. He
earnestly entreated them to attempt their immediate deliver-
ance, or, if possible, at least to furnish them with the means
of obtaining a fire, which, with great difficulty and hazard,
they at last accomplished, by sending one man in a small
canoe, who, after great exertion, got on shore.
After helping him up with his canoe, and seeing nothing
to eat, the captain asked him if he could give them fire ; to
which he answered in the affirmative, but was so affrighted
at the thin and meagre appearance of the other, that for some
time he could scarcely speak, till recollecting himself, he
accompanied the captain to the tent, where he was surprised
and shocked to see so many in such a deplorable condition.
Their flesh was so wasted, and their looks so ghastly ani
frightful, that it was really a dismal spectacle. With some
difficulty they made a fire, after which, as the captain deter-
mined to get on board with the man, and send for the rest
one or two at a time, they both got into the canoe ; but the
sea immediately drove them against the rock with such
LOSS OF NOTTINGHAM GALLEY. 23
violence, that they were overset, and the captain being very
weak, it was a considerable time before he could recover him-
self, so that he had a very narrow escape from drowning.
The man, in the meantime, got on board without him, intend-
ing to return the next day with better conveniences, if the
weather should permit.
It was an afflicting sight to see the shallop now standing
away from the shore, without them, whose appearance, a few
hours before, had raised in them such flattering hopes ; but
the Almighty, who orders everything for the best, had, doubt-
less, designed their preservation, in denying what appeared
to be present deliverance ; for soon after their departure, the
wind blew so hard that the shallop was lost, and the crew,
with great difficulty, saved their lives. Had these poor
miserable creatures been with them, as they had wished and
expected, it is more than probable they must have all
perished, as they had not strength sufficient to help them-
selves.
When the crew of the shallop reached the shore, they im-
mediately sent an express to Portsmouth, in Piscataqua,
where the people hastened to their deliverance as soon as the
weather would allow ; but, to their great sorrow, and a further
trial of their patience, the next day was stormy : and though
they had no doubt that the people on shore were acquainted
with their condition, and would assist them as soon as possible,
yet it was uncertain how long the present unfavourable
weather might continue, which made their situation extremely
miserable. The wind, however, abated during the night, and
early the following morning, a shallop came for them, on
board which was Captain Dean's much-esteemed friends.
Captain Long and Captain Purver, with three men, who
brought a long canoe, and in two hours got them all on
board, being obliged to carry them all from the tent to the
canoe, and fetch them off by two or three at a time. When
they got on board the shallop, they each eat a piece of bread,
and drank a dram of rum, which made them extremely sick ;
but after their stomachs had tasted some warm nourishing
food, they became so exceedingly hungry and ravenous, that
had not their friends restricted their diet for two or three
days, they must have killed themselves with over-eating.
Two days after their coming on shore, the apprentice lost
the greater part of one foot ; the rest recovered their limbs,
though not the perfect use of them. Very few, excepting
24 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the captain, escaped without losing the benefit of fingers and
toes, though otherwise all were in perfect health.
LOSS OF H.M.S. ALCESTE
IN THE
CHINESE SEAS.
The circumstances attendant on the loss of his majesty's ship
Alceste afford one of the most beautiful and instructive
examples, not only of the good effects resulting from a well-
regulated system of discipline, but of the manly character of
British seamen, which has been recorded in naval history.
Early in the year 181 6, in consequence of the difficulties
thrown in the way of our commerce with China, by the
authorities at Canton, it was resolved by the British govern-
ment to send out an extraordinary embassy to the court of
Pekin. On the 9th of February, Lord Amherst, who was
appointed to conduct what has well been termed this
difficult and delicate mission, embarked at Portsmouth with
a numerous suite, on board the Alceste, a frigate of forty-six
guns, commanded by Captain, afterwards Sir Murray Maxwell.
The vessel was accompanied by the brig Lyra, commanded by
Captain Basil Hall, and the General Hewitt, Indiaman, which
carried out many very valuable presents for the Chinese
emperor and his ministers.
Nothing of moment occurred during the outward voyage ;
and on the 9th of August, the ambassador and his suite landed
in great state at the entrance of the White Kiver, on the
north-eastern coast of China ; and the ships then proceeded
to examine the coasts of Chinese Tartary, Corea, and the
extensive group called the Loo Choo Islands, after which,
they shaped their course for Canton, where they re-embarked
Lord Amherst and the embassy, and sailed for Manilla, the
capital of the Phillippine Islands, on the 29th of January.
The embassy had not been received at the Chinese court,
in consequence of the refusal of Lord Amherst to submit to
a humiliating ceremonial, which was considered would hare
utterly frustrated the purpose of the mission. The object of
the embassy was, however, fully, though indirectly, effected,
by the conduct and sound judgment of Captain Maxwell, who,
LOSS OF THE H.M.S. ALCESTE. 25
in despite of the threats and opposition of the lines of batteries
on the Canton Kiver, and of a large fleet of war-junks which
had been stationed to defend it, persisted in sailing with the
Alceste up to Canton, after promptly silencing the fire of
the whole of the Chinese warriors, afloat and ashore.
On the 9th of February ; exactly twelve months after the
expedition left the shores of Great Britain, the Alceste pro-
ceeded from Manilla on her voyage homeward : here parting
company with the Lyra, which was ordered to India with
despatches.
At daybreak on the 18th, after carefully avoiding the
rocks and shoals which beset the Chinese sea to the westward
of the Phillippine Islands, our voyagers entered the straits of
Gaspar, through which they intended to sail. They continued
to follow the track laid down in the charts, and every pre-
caution was used which skill and seamanship could dictate ;
but about half-past seven in the morning, the ship struck
with great violence on a reef of sunken rocks, which rose
almost perpendicular in nearly seventeen fathoms water. It
was a providential circumstance that the ship remained fast
on the reef, as had she been dislodged from her first position
by the force of the shock, she must have almost immediately
gone down with most of her hands. The event, however, was
extremely fearful ; but we are told by one of the officers, that,
notwithstanding the peril of their situation, not the slightest
confusion or irregularity prevailed amongst the crew, every
necessary order being as coolly given, and as steadily obeyed,
as if nothing unusual had happened.
The ship lay about three miles and a half from the unin-
habited and desolate island of Pulo Leat, on which, after
considerable difficulty. Lord Amherst and his suite, with a
part of the crew, safely landed by means of the boats.
Captain Maxwell and the rest of the officers remained by the
ship, and, after great exertion, succeeded in saving a small
quantity of provisions and stores, which occasionally floated
up, all but the upper works being under water.
The island was found to be a perfect wilderness, so com-
pletely overgrown with wood and jungle, that it was necessary
to clear away a small space, under the shade of the loftier
trees at the foot of a hill, which rose in the midst of the
narrow points where the landing was effected, in order to
obtain shelter for the night. The party, when assembled,
presented a wild and motley appearance ; few, including Lord
26 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Amherst himself, were clothed with more than a shirt, or a
pair of trousers ; " whilst parliamentary robes, court-dresses,
and mandarin shirts, intermixed with check shirts and tarry
jackets, were hung around in strange confusion on every
tree." On this wild spot, several days' sail from the nearest
friendly port, exposed, in all probability, to the endurance of
the extremes of hunger and thirst, under the fierce rays of a
tropical sun, were nearly two hundred and fifty of our
countrymen thus thrown : yet no one seemed to be cast down
or despairing ; and the manly feelings which prevailed, were
strengthened by the conduct of Lord Amherst, who, on the
morning succeeding the wreck, desired every one to be called
around him, when he took his share of the water which had
been saved from the ship, consisting of a single gill for each
individual, with the most perfect good humour, thus affording
an example of calm fortitude, and cheerful readiness to
share every privation without any distinction of rank, which
in such cases is certain to be attended with the finest moral
effect.
An increasing anxiety for water, however, naturally pos-
sessed every mind ; but every exertion to obtain it proved
fruitless, whilst the accidental discovery of a humon skeleton
led to the frightful belief, that an individual had perished by
thirst. Under these circumstances, and considering likewise
that the boats were insufficient for the conveyance of even
one-half of the ship's crew, the ambassador and Captain
Maxwell wisely determined, that his lordship and suite,
accompanied by a guard to protect them, in the event of their
failing in with any of the ferocious Malay pirates who swarm
in those seas, should at once proceed with the barge and
cutter, to the island of Java; which, in consequence of a
favourable wind and strong current, it was anticipated they
would reach in three or four days. This party, which con-
sisted of forty- seven persons, having been furnished with all
the provisions that could be spared, embarked at five o'clock
in the evening, amidst the hearty prayers and good wishes of
all. It was well, as will be seen, that Lord Amherst carried
his resolution into effect with such promptitude, as the delay
of a single day would, almost to a certainty, have placed him
in the power of a horde of ruthless savages.
The prospect before the party left in the island, which con-
sisted of two hundred men and boys, and one woman, was not
the most cheering : for, in consequence of the adverse wind
LOSS OF THE H.M.S. ALCESTE. 27
and current, no help was to be looked for, under the most
favourable circumstances, for ten or twelve days at the least.
Captain Maxwell, after again despatching a party in search
of water, removed the bivouac, or encampment, to the summit
of an adjacent hill, on which the underwood, abounding with
snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and other reptiles, had been
previously burnt and cleared away. To this spot, which was
better calculated for the preservation of the health, as well
as for the defence of the people, the whole of the small stock
of provisions now remaining, was removed under a strict
guard ; whilst a few persons were left on the wreck, in order
to save any further stores which might be floated up. During
the rest of the day, much misery was experienced from
continued thirst ; but about midnight, to the great joy of all,
a spring was struck upon, which, during the next twenty-four
hours, afforded a pint of water to each individual. On the
morning of the 20th, the captain ordered all hands to be
mustered, and after explaining that, by the regulations of the
navy, every man was equally liable to answer for his conduct
as if he had been afloat, declared that whilst he lived the
most rigorous discipline, which was so important to the
welfare of all, should continue to be enforced.
At day-break on the following morning, the party stationed
on the wreck discovered that they were surrounded by a
small fleet of Malay proas or boats filled with armed men.
These pirates, many of whom are cannibals, belong to a race
generally considered to be the most merciless and inhuman
savages existing in any part of the globe. Our countrymen,
who were quite defenceless, instantly jumped into the boat
and made for the beach, after a smart chase from the pirates,
who then took possession of the ship ; but not long after, an
alarm was given, that they had effected a landing on a point
of the island, about two miles distant. The most active
exertions were immediately made to give them a warm
reception: but only about a dozen cutlasses had been pre-
served, and, although the marines had nearly thirty muskets
and bayonets, they had only seventy-five ball-cartridges
amongst them. Orders were, however, given for every
individual to arm himself in the best way he could; and
small swords, dirks, knives, chisels, and even sharpened poles,
soon supplied the place of regular weapons. Trees were also
felled under the direction of the captain, and a circular
breastwork was constructed around the station, by interweav-
28 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
ing loose branches with stakes, driven into the ground
amongst the fallen timber. The day having passed off quietly,
in the evening the whole party was classed into separate
divisions, to one of which the charge of the boats at the
landing-place was assigned ; the noblest spirit animated all,
and but little apprehension prevailed of an attack from the
savages during the night, as they appeared too busily engaged
in plundering the wreck to think of anything elsa
Observing that the pirates had diminished in number, it
was resolved, next day, to regain possession of the wreck ;
but the enemy, on perceiving the approach of the boats, in-
stantly pushed off, and set fire to the ship, which became, in
a few minutes, one burning mass from stem to stern. She
continued in flames throughout the day and night, during
which some alarm was occasioned by the sentries mistaking
for enemies some of the large baboons met with on the island.
Early on Sunday, the boats again proceeded to the wreck,
and found that several barrels of flour, with some casks of
wine and beer, had floated up. This cheering intelligence
reached the shore just at the close of divine service, which
was performed in the principal tent. In the course of the
two succeeding days, further supplies of flour, beer, and wine
were recovered by the boats, together with what was almost
equally important in the situation in which the party were
placed, about fifty boarding pikes, eighteen muskets and a
small quantity of ammunition. In the meanwhile, those left
on the shore were fully occupied in throwing up a glacis, or
sloping bank, and in otherwise strengthening the fortifications
of the station ; while the discovery of a second well, at the
foot of the hill, at last enabled every one to have water in
abundance.
Early on the 26th, two armed proas, each towing a canoe,
again made their appearance from behind a rock a few miles
distant, whither the pirates had retreated, as was supposed, in
expectation of receiving reinforcements. They prowled for
some time unperceived about the entrance of the cove, but
Lieutenant Hay, who commanded the guard during the night,
no sooner discovered them, than he dashed out at once with
the three boats under his command. The pirates instantly
cut adrift their canoes and made all sail. Only one of our
boats was enabled to near them. "On closing," says Mr.
M'Leod in his interesting narrative of the expedition, " the
Malays evinced every sign of defiance, placing themselves in
LOSS OF H.M.S. ALCESTE. 29
the most threatening attitudes, and firing their swivels at the
boat. This was returned by Mr. Hay with the only musket
he had with him ; and as they closed nearer, the Malays
commenced throwing their javelins and darts, several falling
into the barge, but without wounding any of the men. Soon
after they were grappled by our fellows, when three or four
having been shot, and a fourth knocked down with the butt-
end of the musket, five more jumped overboard and drowned
themselves (evidently disdaining quarter), and two were taken
prisoners, one of whom was severely wounded. The Malays
had taken some measure to sink their proa, for she went down
almost immediately. Nothing could exceed the desperate
ferocity of these people. One of those had been shot through
the body, but was not quite dead. On 'jeing removed into
the boat with a view of saving him (as his own vessel was
sinking) he furiously grasped a cutlass which came within his
reach, and it was not without a struggle wrenched from his
hand : he died in a few minutes. The consort of this proa,
firing a parting shot, bore up round the north end of the
island, and escaped. The two prisoners were then brought
ashore, and placed under a guard at the well, when their
wounds were dressed, and ferocious as had been their conduct,
the most humane attention was paid to them.
Soon afterwards, fourteen proas, and other small vessels,
came in sight, and anchored under shelter of a distant point,
on which many persons were seen to land. It was at first
supposed that they had been sent from Batavia by Lord
Amherst for the relief of the party, and several officers there-
fore set out towards them ; but an interview speedily dissi-
pated the illusion, it being ascertained, chiefly by signs, that
they were a wandering community employed in collecting a
sort of sea-weed found in those islands, which is in request
in China. Their amicable and submissive deportment dis-
appeared, however, on the following morning, when the real
situation of our countrymen was unmasked by the discovery
of the wreck, which the strangers immediately proceeded to
plunder. But it was not deemed advisable to interfere with
them, as there was now little of any value to be procured
there.
The boats were removed in the course of the day to an ad-
joining cove, where they were placed in a safer position, under
cover of two little posts strongly situated on the rocks, which
were manned by a party armed with musketry. The Malays,
3
30 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
who had been fully engaged on the wreck during the preced-
ing day, on Saturday morning received a powerful accession
of force by the arrival of fourteen more proas. The prospects
of our countrymen were in the meanwhile daily becoming
more gloomy ; their stock of provisions, although the utmost
economy was used in the distribution, viz., by chopping up
the allowance for the day into small pieces, whether fowls,
salt beef, pork, or flour, and mixing the whole hotch-potch,
boiling them together, and serving out a measure of this
publicly and openly to every man without distinction, yet
still it was diminishing with fearful rapidity; nothing but
a few oysters could be obtained on the island ; and the time
had now passed away, when, according to calculation, relief
ought to have arrived from Java. The boats were therefore
put into a good state of repair, and a strong raft was con-
structed, in order to give every facility for escape, in the event
of the worst taking place. But notwithstanding these depres-
sing circumstances, a feeling of cheerfulness and content seemed
to pervade every mind, and the utmost order continued to
prevail.
The encampment on the hill, now termed ** Fort Maxwell,"
had progressively been strengthened, so as to afford an ex-
cellent defence against an attack of the savages. When seen
at night by fire-light, its appearence was singularly pictur-
esque ; " the wigwams," or dens as they were called, of some,
neatly formed by branches, and thatched with the palm-leaf,
scattered about at the feet of the majestic trees which shaded
the circle ; the rude tents of others, the wrecked, unshaven,
ragged appearance of the men, with pikes and cutlasses in
their hands, gave a wild and strange efifect to the spot, beyond
any robber-scene the imagination can portray.
Having been joined by a large reinforcement during the
night of Saturday, the pirates at last began to assume a threat-
ening aspect. At day-break on Sunday they advanced with
the most hideous yells, with about twenty of their largest
vessels, close to the entrance of the landing-place, where they
proceeded to anchor, amidst the din of gongs, after firing one
of their swivels at our party ashore. A smaller division was
seen about the same time to proceed up a creek at the back
of the British position, which rendered our countrymen appre-
hensive of a surprise in that quarter. This bold movement
of the savages was, however, only a demonstration ; and the
two parties remained looking at each other for some time in
LOSS OF H.M.S. ALCESTE. 31
a state of preparation, when finding that the Malays held off
from their attack. Captain Maxwell despatched an officer in
a boat, a little beyond the mouth of the cove, who waved his
hat in an amicable way, to endeavour to ascertain their dis-
position. An armed canoe, after a considerable pause, ad-
vanced to meet him, but nothing could be made out from the
demeanour of the savages, who wished to possess themselves
of the shirt and trousers belonging to one of the midshipmen
in the boat. Another fruitless attempt was afterwards made
in order to try their spirit, and when evening approached, the
hostile force, which had greatly increased in strength during
the day, and now amounted to more than fifty vessels of
various sizes, drew closer into the cove, with a fierce and
menacing aspect. Everything, indeed, indicated an approach-
ing attack ; the wreck was almost deserted, and the thoughts
of the savages seemed fixed on gaining possession of property
which they imagined had been rescued from it. Near sunset,
several of the Malays, who had a few days before been mis-
taken for friends, advanced towards the landing-place, and
gave our countrymen to understand, that the whole of the
blockading force, except their party, were exceedingly hostile ;
and that a general attack was resolved upon when it became
dark ; they then intimated their wish that a portion of their
number should proceed up the hill, for the purpose of protect-
ing and aiding its defenders. On this treacherous offer being
declined, they pulled back to their vessels, from which a wild
war-whoop immediately proceeded.
When night set in, the whole of the force being assembled
under arms, Captain Maxwell addressed the officers and men
in an animating speech, which was received with three deaf-
ening cheers from every Briton on the island : it was, indeed,
the anxious wish of every heart that the threatened attack
should be made ; 1,600 ball-cartridges, which had been pro-
gressively accumulated, were distributed amongst the various
watches; and an alarm, which was purposely given during
the night, " showed the good effect of preparation, for all were
like lightning at their posts, and every one returned growling
and disappointed, because the alarm was false." The cheer-
ing had its due effect on the enemy.
When the day dawned, it was found that the pirate-force
had received a further accession of ten vessels. Their numbers
now exceeded 600 men ; and they continued, during the
morning closely to invest the position as before. The general
82 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
anxiety at the non-arrival of the looked-for-relief, increased
in strength each successive hour. " Awful as our situation
was," says the historian of the voyage, " and every instant
becoming more so ; starvation staring us in the face, on one
hand, and without hope of mercy from the savages on the
other ; yet there was no symptoms of depression, or gloomy
despair ; every mind seemed buoyant ; and if any estimate of
the general feeling could be collected from countenances, from
the manner and expressions of all, there appeared to be formed
in every breast a calm determination to dash at them, and be
successful, or to fall as became men, in the attempt to become
free."
About mid-way, whilst various plans for effecting a decisive
night-attack on the pirates were in agitation, a povverf d sen-
sation was produced, by the report of the officer on the look-
out, that a ship was in sight at a great distance to the south-
ward ; a dark cloud for some time hid the object of anxiety
from the sight, but when it cleared away, every doubt was
dispelled, by the announcement that the vessel was standing
towards the island, under all sail. The British colours were
therefore run up at the top of the loftiest tree on the hill ;
and It was not long before a sudden movement among the
savages denoted that they also had discovered the distant ship.
On perceiving this. Captain Maxwell resolved not to hesitate,
and instantly gave orders for a simultaneous attack to be
made on the blockading force ; the pirates were, however, on
the alert, for as soon as the mariners emerged from beneath
tlie shade of the mangrove-trees which fringed the harbour,
the whole of their vessels made sail, the nearest firing her
swivel (fortunately without effect) amongst a party of officers
that had dashed after them into the sea ; a smart fire was
kept up without effect, till they were out of gun-shot, and
they soon afterwards disappeared from sight altogether.
The vessel proved to be the Ternate, one of the East India
Company's cruisers. It turned out a providential circum-
stance, that the attack had been made on the pirates ; for in
consequence of the opposition of the wind and current, the
ship was unable to approach nearer than twelve miles of the
British position, so that the pirates would have been enabled
to have completely cut off all communication with her, had
they remained. The island was finally abandoned by our
countrymen early on the 7th of March, after a stay of nine-
teen days, during which, although they were alternately ex-
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR. 33
posed to the influence of a burning sun, and torrents of rain,
not a single individual was taken ill. The Ternate reached
Batavia on the 9 th, where an interesting meeting took place
between Lord Amherst and the party that had accompanied
him, with their countrymen.
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR
IN THE
WEST INDIES.
The Centaur, a ship of 74 guns, and commanded by Captain
Inglefield, sailed from Jamaica on September 10th, 1782,
after the decisive engagement in the West Indies, on the
glorious 12th of April, when the French fleet, under Count
de Grasse, was defeated by Admiral Sir George Eodney ; she
was then in rather a leaky condition ; but although it was
necessary to keep two hand-pumps going, and a spell with the
chain-pumps when it blew fresh, still no fears were entertained
that she was not able to encounter a common gale of wind,
till experience convinced them of their fatal mistake. It was
on the evening of the 16th, that the fatal gale came on ; the
ship was prepared for the worst weather that is usually met
with in those latitudes : the mainsail was reefed and set, the
top- gallant-masts struck, and the mizen-yard lowered down,
though at that time it did not blow very strong ; but towards
midnight it increased to a gale, and caused the ship to make
so much water, that all hands were obliged to be turned to
the pumps.
About two in the morning of the 17th, the wind has so
much decreased, that they began to flatter themselves the
gale was breaking ; but soon after there was a heavy shower
of rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning, and the
wind blew in such strong gusts, that obliged them to haul up
the mainsail, the ship being then under bare poles. This was
scarcely done, when a gust of wind, exceeding in violence
anything they had ever seen, laid the ship on her beam-ends.
The water forsook the hold and appeared between decks, so
as to fill the men's hammocks to the leeward, and the shi^
lay motionless, to all appearance irrecoverably overset. The
water iBcreasing fast, forced through the cells of the ports
34 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and scuttled the ports from the pressure of the ship. The
captain immediately ordered the main and mizen-masts to be
cut away, and the fore-mast and bowsprit soon followed, upon
which the ship immediately righted, but with such violence,
and so qnick, that they found it difficult to work the
pumps ; three guns immediately broke loose upon the main-
deck, and it was some time before they were able to secure
them ; several men being maimed in the attempt, and every
moveable was destroyed, either from the shot thrown loose
from the lockers, or the wreck of the deck. The officers who
had left their beds in the morning, naked, when the ship
overset, had not an article of clothing to put on, nor could
get supplied with any.
The masts had not been over the sides ten minutes, when
the tiller broke short in the rudder-head; and before the
chocks could be placed, the rudder was gone. Thus were
they as much deserted as possible, lying at the mercy of the
wind and sea ; yet they had one comfort, that the pumps, if
anything, reduced the water in the hold, and, as the morning
of the 17th came on, the weather grew more moderate. At
daylight, two line-of-battle ships appeared to leeward ; one
had lost her fore-mast and bowsprit, the other her main-
mast, and it was the general opinion on board the Centaur,
that one was the Canada, and the other the Glorieux. About
seven they saw another line-of-battle ship ahead, which they
soon distinguished to be the Ville de Paris, with all her masts
standing. They immediately made signals of distress, hoisting
the ensign on the stump of the mizen-mast, union downwards,
and firing the forecastle guns. The ensign blew away soon
after it was hoisted, and it was the only one they had left ;
but they had the satisfaction to see the Yille de Paris veer
and stand towards them. Several of the merchant ships also
approached, and those that could, hailed and offered their
assistance ; but depending upon the king's ship, they only
thanked them, desiring them if they joined Admiral Graves,
to make him acquainted with the condition of the Centaur.
They had not the smallest doubt but that the Yille de Paris
was approaching them, as she appeared not to have suffered
in the least by the storm, and having seen her veer, they knew
that she was under the government of her helm ; at this time,
also, it was so moderate, that the merchant ships set their
topsails, but the Ville de Paris, after approaching within two
miles, passed them to windward, which being observed by one
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR. 35
of the merchant ships, she wore and came under their stern,
offering to carry any message to her. Captain Ingle field
desired the master to acquaint the Ville de Paris with their
condition, and that he would remain with them till the weather
grew moderate. They afterwards saw the merchant-man
approach near enough to the Ville de Paris to speak to her ;
bnt they had reason to fear her condition was much worse
than it appeared to be, as she continued her course. As the
evening came on it grew hazy and blew strong in squalls.
They lost sight of the Ville de Paris, but confidently expected
they should see her in the morning : the night was passed in
constant labour at the pumps, and when the wind lulled, the
water diminished ; but when it blew strong again, the sea
rising, the water again increased".
On the evening of the 18th, they found their condition
much worse than they had expected ; the pumps being choked
were of little use, and all the casks of rum and provisions
were stove, having floated with violence from side to side,
until there was not a whole cask remaining. Should the ship
swim, they had no water, but what remained in the ground
tier, and over this all the wet provisions, and casks filled with
salt water, were floating, and with so much motion, that no
man could go into the hold with safety. There was nothing
left for them to try, but baling with buckets ; and twenty
large ones made of canvass were immediately employed. By
noon the working of the buckets had considerably diminished
the water, but there appeared no prospect of saving the ship
if the gale continued. The labour was too great to hold out
without water, yet the people worked without a murmur, and
indeed with cheerfulness.
The weather at this time was more moderate, but as the
evening came on, the gale increased. All day they had seen
nothing of the ship that had lost her main-mast, but from her
having fired guns of distress, they imagined her to be as much
in want of assistance as themselves. Through the night the
Centaur laboured so much, that they scarcely dared to enter-
tain a hope that she could swim till the morning ; yet by dint
of great exertions, which were increased by want of water,
they managed to hold out : but their suSerings were so intense,
that many of the people could not be restrained from drinking
their own water.
At daylight, on the 19th, there was no vessel in sight, and
having seen flashes from guns during the night, they feared
36 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
that the ship which they had seen the preceding day had
foundered. The weather grew more moderate by about eleven
o'clock in the forenoon, and as the water in the hold began to
diminish, the men were encouraged to redouble their efforts
to get the water low enough, so as to enable them to break
a cask of fresh water out of the ground tier. Some of the
most resolute of the seamen were employed in the attempt,
and at noon they were so far successful as to get one cask,
which, though little, was a very seasonable relief.
On the morning of the 20th, the fore-hold was cleared of
the water, and they had the cheering promise of a fine day,
which was taken advantage of by making every disposition
that could contribute to their safety ; and the captain had
great hopes that should the moderate weather continue, the
ship would by the next day become manageable, and thereby
enable them to save the people on some of the western isles :
but, at the same time, had there been another ship in the
company, the captain would have deemed it his duty to have
quitted the ship directly.
Unfortunately, however, on the morning of the 21st, they
had the mortification to find the weather again threatened,
and by noon had increased to a storm ; the ship laboured ex-
cessively, the wind still increased, and the carpenter declared
the pumps nearly useless ; and as they had no other resource
but baling, all the sail-makers were employed night and day
in making canvass buckets. The orlop-deck had fallen in on
the larboard side ; a large leak had been discovered and
stopped in the forehold, and another in the ladies' hold, and
the ship appeared so weak from her labouring, that it was
evident she could not last much longer ; the fore and after
cockpit had fallen in, and all the store-rooms were down and
the stern-post was so loose, that as the ship rolled, the water
rushed in on either side in such great streams, that it was im-
possible for them to stop it. Night came on with the same
dreary prospect as the preceeding, and was passed in continued
labour and exertion.
On the morning of the 22nd, it was plainly to be perceived,
that the fate of the ship was not far off, but still the labour
went on without any apparent despair. The people were
obedient and even cheerful,and each officer took his share in
the work that was to be performed ; but despite of their exer-
tions, the water continued to increase during the night, and
their speedy destruction seemed inevitable.
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR. 37
On the morniDg of the 23rd, they found that during the
night, a fresh leak had been sprung, that the well was stove
in, and the chain-pumps displaced and totally useless ; and
up to this time, the crew had laboured cheerfully, without a
murmur and without a tear, as if determined to conquer their
difficulties : but this fresh disaster, rendering all their efforts
useless, overwhelmed their faculties, and many of them burst
into tears and wept like children. The carpenter declared
that the ship could not live long, and proposed making rafts
to float the ship's company, as it was no longer possible to
encourage them with any prospect of their safety. Some
appeared perfectly resigned, went to their hammocks and
desired their messmates to lash them in, while others were
lashing themselves to gratings and small rafts ; but the most
prominent idea was that of putting on their best and cleanest
clothes. The weather became more moderate about noon,
and as the rafts had been mentioned, the captain thought it
right to make the attempt, although the spars they had on
board could not float half the ship's company ; but men in
their situations were ready to catch at a straw. The captain
therefore called them together, and telling them his intention,
recommended them to behave with regularity and obedience
to their officers. They immediately commenced making
preparations ; the booms were cleared, and the boats, of which
they had three, the cutter, the pinnace, and tive-oared yawl,
were got over the sides, a bag of bread was ordered to be put
into each, and any liquors that could be got at, for the pur-
pose of supplying the rafts.
It was the intention of the captain to get into the five-oared
yawl, and the coxswain was desired to get anything from the
steward that might be useful, and two men, captains of the
tops, of the forecastle, or quarter-masters, were placed in each
of the boats to prevent any of the men forcing them until the
arrangements were complete; but while these preparations
were making, the ship was gradually sinking, the orlop-decks
having been blown up by the water in the hold. The men
had for some time quitted their employment of baling, and
the ship was left to her fate.
In the afternoon the weather again threatened and blew in
strong squalls, the sea ran mountains high, and the yawl stove
alongside and sunk. As the evening approached, the ship
appeared little more than suspended in water, and there was
no certainty that she could swim from one moment to another ;
38 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
indeed, such was the awful appearance of the surrounding
elements, that it was impossible for any man to deceive him-
self with a hope of being saved upon a raft in such a sea ; and
the love of life, which never appears stronger than in the
approach of death, began now to level all distinctions. It
was near five o'clock when Captain Inglefield, on coming from
his cabin, observed a number of people anxiously looking over
the side, and found that several men had forced the pinnace,
and that more were endeavouring to get in. The captain's first
thought was to secure the boat before she might be sunk by
numbers, and there appeared not a moment for consideration.
It was a painful conflict of feelings, and which can hardly be
imagined by any person who has not been in a situation like
Captain Inglefield, either to remain and perish with the ship's
company, to whom he could be of no further use, or seize the
only opportunity of escaping which seemed left, and leave
the people with whom he had had so often occasion to be
well satisfied. However, the love of life prevailed. The
captain called to Mr. Eainy, the master, who was the only
officer on deck, and desired him to folio iv him. They imme-
diately descended into the boat, and with great difficulty got
her clear of the ship, as twice the number that the boat would
carry were endeavouring to get in, and many jumping into
the water. Mr. Baylis, a young gentlemen fifteen years of
age, leaped from the chains after the boat had got off, and
was taken in, making twelve persons altogether in the boat,
viz.. Captain Inglefield ; Mr. Eainy, master ; Mr. Baylis, mid-
shipman ; Mr. Clarke, surgeon's -mate ; Thimothy Sullivan,
captain's coxswain ; John Gregory and Thomas Matthews,
quarter-masters ; and five seamen.
The boat falling astern became exposed to the sea, and they
endeavoured to pull her bow round, and keep her to the
break of the sea, to pass to windward of the ship ; but she
was nearly filled in the attempt. The sea ran too high, and
the only probability of living, was by keeping her before the
wind. It was then the dreadful truth flashed upon their
minds, how little better, if anything, was their condition, to
that of those they had left behind them in the ship ; at the
best it appeared but a prolongation of a miserable existence.
In a leaky boat, with one of the gunwales stove, nearly in
the middle of the Western Ocean, without compass, without
quadrant, without sail, without great coat or cloak, all very
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR. 39
thinly clothed, in a gale of wind, with a heavy sea running,
was a miserable alternative between that and death.
It was about five o'clock in the evening, and about half an
hour after losing sight of the ship, and before it was dark,
that a blanket was discovered in the boat ; this was immedi-
ately bent to one of the stretchers, and under it as a sail they
scudded all night, expecting that every wave would swallow
them, and with great difficulty being able to clear the boat
of one sea, before the next would overwhelm them, and all
of them half drowned — without having really perished,
perhaps no people ever endured more.
On the morning of the 24th, the weather grew moderate,
having shifted to the southward ; when they quitted the ship,
it was at K W. or KKW., Fayall bearing E.S.K about two
hundred and fifty leagues, and should the wind continue for
five or six days, there was a probability that by running
before the sea, they might fall in with one of the Western
Isles; but the wind having shifted, should it come on to
blow, their hopes were at an end ; for there was no possibility
of preserving life but by running before the sea, which would
carry them again to the northward, where they must inevit-
ably perish. Upon examining what they had to subsist on,
they found a bag of bread, a small ham, a single piece of pork,
two quart bottles of water, and a few French cordials.
The wind continued to the southward for eight or nine
days, but providentially it did not blow so strong but what
they could keep the boat to the side of the sea ; but they
were all most miserably wet and cold. As near as they could
judge, they had made nearly a E.IST.E. course since the first
night's run, which had carried them to the S.E., and expected
to see the island of Corvo. In this, however, they were dis-
appointed, and feared that the southerly wind had driven
them too far to the northward. Their condition now began
to be truly miserable, for on the fifth day, they discovered
that nearly all the bread was spoiled by salt water ; and as
it was necessary to go to an allowance, one biscuit was divided
into twelve morsels for breakfast, the same for dinner ; the
neck of a bottle broken off with the cork in, and filled with
water, was all the allowance of each man for twenty-four
hours ; and this was done without any degree of partiality or
distinction : but they must have perished before this, had
they not fortunately caught six quarts of rain water, and
even this they could not have been blessed with, had they
40 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
not found a pair of sheets, which had been put there by
accident, these were spread when it rained, and when
thoroughly saturated, were wrung into the kit with which
they baled the boat. "With this short allowance, which in
their sad condition was rather tantalizing, they began to grow
very feeble, and their bodies were chafed into sores in many
places, from their clothes being continually wet.
On the thirteenth day there was a perfect calm, but a
breeze of wind soon sprung up from the N.KW., and increased
to a gale, so that they ran before the sea, under the blanket,
at the rate of five or six miles an hour, till they judged they
were to the southward of Fayall, and sixty leagues to the
westward ; but they could not attempt to steer for it, as it
was blowing strong.
On the fifteenth day of their being in the boat, they had
only remaining one day's bread, and one bottle of water out
of a second supply of rain. Their sufferings were now as
great as human nature could possibly sustain, but they were
convinced that good spirits were a better support than great
bodily strength. This day died Thomas Matthews, one of the
quarter-masters, and the stoutest man in the boat, from
extreme hunger and cold. The day before, he had complained
of his throat, as he expressed it, being too weak to swallow
his morsel, and in the night he drank salt water, grew
delirious, and died without a groan. As this seemed inevit-
ably the fate of all of them, it was some consolation to think
that death by starvation was not quite so dreadful as their
imaginations had pictured to them. Some complained of the
symptoms in their throats, others had drank their own urine,
and all but the captain had drank salt water : yet with all
these causes for depression of spirits, despair and gloom had
as yet been successfully banished, and repeatedly had a song
or a tale been substituted for a supper ; but this evening the
captain found it impossible to raise either.
The weather became calm as the night came on, but about
midnight a breeze sprung up from the westward; but not
being certain of the direction, and afraid of running out of
their way, they impatiently waited for the morning sun to be
their compass, whose rising showed them that the wind was
precisely as they had wished, and immediately spreading
their blanket, ran before the sea at the rate of four miles an
hour. Their last remaining breakfast had been served, when
John Gregory, the surviving quarter- master, declared that
LOSS OF H.M.S. CENTAUR. 41
he saw land, in the S.E. ; but they had so often seen fog-
banks, which bore the appearance of land, that the captain
dared not trust himself to believe it, and, as they appeared
exceedingly elated, gave them a caution, that they might not
feel the effects of disappointment; but one of the seamen
broke out into an immoderate fit of joy, swearing that if that
which he now saw was not land, he had never seen land in
all his life. They immediately shaped their course for it,
although the captain had very little faith in it.
The wind freshened, the boat went through the water at
the rate of five or six miles an hour, and in two hours the
land was plainly seen by every man in the boat, but at a very
great distance, so that they did not reach it before ten at
night. It must have been at least twenty leagues from them
when they first discovered it. There was so thick a haze in
every part of the horizon, except where they discovered the
land, that they could not see for more than three or four
leagues. By their reckoning, Fay all bore E. by N., which
was the course they were steering; and had not the sky
opened for their preservation, they would in a few hours
have increased their distance from the land, got to the east-
ward, and of course missed all the islands. As they neared
the land, they were more and more convinced that it was
Fayall. The island of Pico, had the weather been clear,
would have satisfied them, but it was at that time capped
with clouds, and it was some time before they were quite
certain, having traversed for two hours a great part of the
island, where the steep and rocky shore refused them a land-
ing. This was borne with much impatience, for they had
flattered themselves that they should meet with fresh water
the instant they approached the island ; but being disappointed
in this, their thirst increased into almost a degree of madness,
80 that they were near attempting to land where the surf
must have dashed the boat to pieces. Fortunately they dis-
covered a fishing canoe, which conducted them safely into
the road of Fayall, about midnight ; but the regulations of
the port would not suffer them to land, till they had been
examined by the health officers. However, as their pilot
brought refreshments of bread, wine, and water, they did not
think so much of sleeping in the boat all night.
In the morning they were visited by the English consul,
Mr. Graham, whose humane attention made ample amends
for the formality of the Portuguese. Indeed it is impossible
42 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to express their feelings of gratitude, for the kindness and
humanity which was evinced by him, not only to Captain
Inglefield, but to all the companions of his misfortunes ; for
several days his whole employment seemed to be contriving
the best means of restoring them to health and strength.
Perhaps there never were objects more deserving of pity.
Some of the stoutest men belonging to the Centaur were
obliged to be supported through the streets of Payall.
Captain Inglefield, and Mr. Kainy, the master, appeared in
better health than any of the others ; but even the captain
could not walk without being supported ; and notwithstanding
the utmost attention that was paid to them, the most salutary
provisions, and the most comfortable lodgings, for several
days they grew rather worse than better : but that Providence
which had sustained them through such an almost unparalleled
accumulation of hardships, fatigues, and severities, at last
restored them to health, vigour, and spirits.
EXTRAORDINARY FAMINE
ON BOARD THE
AMERICAN SHIP PEGGY.
The dreadful sufferings produced by famine frequentley lead
men to the commission of the most horrible excesses. When
insensible to the appeals of reason or of nature, man assumes
the character of a beast of prey, and coolly meditates the
death of a companion or a brother with a remorseless deter-
mination, deaf to every entreaty or remonstrance.
One of these scenes so afflicting to humanity, occurred in
the year 1765, on board the American brigantine Peggy,
commanded by David Harrison, and freighted by merchants
of New York, for the Azores. She arrived at Payal, one of
those islands, without accident ; and, having disposed of her
cargo, took on board a lading of wine and spirits, and, on
October 24th, she set sail on her return to New York.
On the 29th the wind, which till then had been favourable,
suddenly shifted, and the vessel was much damaged by violent
storms, which succeeded each other without interruption,
during the month of November. In spite of all the exertions
FAMINE ON SHIP PEGGY. 43
of the crew, and the experience of the captain, the masts
went by the board, all the sails, excepting one, were torn to
rags; and to add to their distress, several leaks were dis-
covered in the hold
The wind abated a little during the beginning of December,
but the vessel was driven out of her course ; and destitute of
masts, sails and rigging, she was perfectly unmanageable, and
driven to and fro at the mercy of the waves. This, however,
was the smallest evil ; as another of a much more alarming
nature soon manifested itself. Upon examining the state of
their provisions, the stock was found to be almost totally
exhausted ; and, in this deplorable condition, the crew had
no hope of relief but from chance.
A few days after this unpleasant discovery, two vessels
were descried early one morning, and a transient ray of hope
cheered the unfortunate crew of the Peggy ; but the sea ran
so high that it prevented Captain Harrison from having any
communication with the ships, which were soon out of sight.
The disappointed seamen, who were in want of everything,
then fell upon the wine and brandy with which the ship was
laden, and allotted to the captain two small jars of water,
each containing about a gallon, which was the remainder of
their stock. Some days elapsed, during which the crew, in
some measure, appeased the painful cravings of hunger by
incessant intoxication.
On the fourth day, they observed a ship making towards
them in full sail, and no time was lost in making signals of
distress, when the crew had the inexpressible satisfaction to
perceive that they were answered, and the sea was sufficiently
calm to permit the two vessels to approach each other. The
strangers seemed much affected by the melancholy tale of
their privations and sufferings, and promised to relieve them
by a supply of biscuit ; but it was not sent on board imme-
diately, the captain alleging, as an excuse for the delay, that
he had just begun a nautical observation, which he was
anxious to complete. However unreasonable such a pretext
appeared, the famishing crew of the Peggy were obliged, under
existing circumstances, to submit. The time mentioned by
the captain had nearly expired, when, to their extreme mor-
tification, the latter, regardless of his promises, and dead to
all feelings of honour or humanity, crowded all his sails and
bore away. No language is adequate to describe the despair
and consternation which overwhelmed the miserable crew.
44 VOYAGES AiND SHIPWRECKS.
Lashed into almost madness by disappointment, and destitute
of hope, they fell upon whatever they had spared till then.
The only animals that remained on board were a couple of
pigeons and a cat, which were devoured in an instant. The
only favour which they showed the captain, was to reserve
for him the head of the cat ; and, disgusting as it would have
been on any other occasion, the captain afterwards declared,
that at that moment he thought it a treat exquisitely delicious.
The unfortunate men then supported their existence by living
on oil, candles, leather, &c., and these were entirely consumed
by the 28th of December.
From that day till January 13th, it is almost impossible to
tell in what manner they subsisted. Captain Harrison had
been for some time confined to his bed by a severe fit of the
gout. On the last-mentioned day, the sailors went to him in
a body, with the mate at their head, who acted as spokesman
on this occasion, and after an affecting representation of the
deplorable state to which they were reduced, declared that it
was necessary to sacrifice one, in order to save the rest, add-
ing, that their resolution was irrevocably fixed, and that they
intended to cast lots for the victim.
The captain, who was a tender and humane man, could not
help shuddering at such a barbarous proposition, and endea-
voured to dissuade them from their purpose : he represented
to them that they were men, and ought to regard each other
as brethren ; that by such an assassination, they would for
ever consign themselves to universal execration, and com-
manded them, with all his authority, to relinquish the idea
of committing so atrocious a crime : but his exhortations were
thrown away ; he might as well have " preached to the storm."
They all with one voice, replied, that it was indifferent to
them whether or no he approved of their resolution ; that
they had only acquainted him with it out of respect, and be-
cause he must run the same risk as themselves — adding, that
in the general misfortune, all command and distinction were
at an end. They then immediately left him and went upon
deck, where the lots were drawn.
The lot fell upon a negro belonging to Captain Harrison ;
but it is more than probable that the lot had been consulted
only for the sake of form, and that the wretched black was
proscribed when the sailors first formed their resolution. He
was instantly sacrificed. One of the crew tore out his liver,
and devoured it reeking warm from the body, without having
FAMINE ON SHIP PEGGY. 45
the patience to cook it in any way ; but he was soon after-
wards taken ill, and the next day he died, in violent convul-
sions, and with all the symptoms of madness. Some of his
comrades proposed to keep his body to live on after the negro
was consumed ; but the majority of them objected to this on
account of the disease, which they supposed had carried him
off; his body was, therefore, thrown overboard, and consigned
to the deep.
The captain, in the intervals when he was least tormented
by the gout, was not more exempted from the attacks of
hunger than the rest of the crew ; but he resisted all the
persuasions of his men to partake of their horrid repast. He
contented himself with the water which had been assigned to
him, mixing with it a small quantity of spirits ; and this was
the only sustenance he took during the whole period of dis-
tress.
The body of the negro, which was equally divided, and
eaten with the greatest economy, lasted till the 26th of
January. On the 29th, the famished crew deliberated upon
selecting a second victim, and again informed the captain of
their intention, to which he appeared to give his consent, lest
the enraged sailors might have recourse to the lot without
him. They left it to him to fix upon any method he might
think proper ; when, summoning all his strength, he wrote
upon slips of paper the name of each man then on board the
brigantine, folded them up, and shook them together in a hat.
The crew, meanwhile preserved an awful silence ; each eye
was fixed, and each mouth was open, while terror was strongly
impressed upon every countenance. With a trembling hand,
one of them drew from the hat the fatal billet, which he de-
livered to the captain, who opened it and read aloud the name
of David Flat. The unfortunate man on whom the lot had
fallen appeared perfectly resigned to his fate. " My friends,"
said he to his companions, " the only favour I have to beg of
you is, not to keep me long in pain ; dispatch me as speedily
as the negro." Then turning to the man, who had performed
the first execution, he added — " it is you I choose to give me
the mortal blow." He requested an hour to prepare himself
for death, to which his comrades could only reply with tears.
Meanwhile compassion and the remonstrances of the captain
prevailed over the hunger of the most hard-hearted, and they
unanimously resolved to defer the sacrifice till eleven o'clock
the following morning; but such a short reprieve afforded
46 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
but little consolation to the unhappy Flat. The certainty of
dying the next day made such a deep impression upon his
mind, that his body, which, for above a month, had withstood
the almost total privation of nourishment, now sunk beneath
it. He was seized with a violent fever, and his state was so
much aggravated by a delirium, with which it was accompanied,
that some of the sailors proposed to kill him immediately, in
order to terminate his sufferings. The majority, however,
adhered to the resolution that had been taken of waiting till
the following morning.
On January 30 th, at ten o'clock in the morning, a large fire
was already made to dress the limbs of the unfortunate
victim, when a sail was descried at a distance. A favourable
wind drove her towards the Peggy, when she proved to be
the Susan, returning from Virginia, and bound to London.
The captain of the Susan could not refrain from tears at
the affecting account of the sufferings endured by the famished
crew. He lost no time in affording them relief, supplying
them immediately with provisions and rigging, and offered
to convoy the Peggy to London. The distance from New York,
their proximity to the English coast, together with the miser-
able state of the brigantine, induced the two captains to pro-
ceed to England. The voyage was prosperous ; only two
men died, and all the others gradually recovered their strength ;
and David Flat, who had been so near the gates of death, was
restored to perfect health.
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR,
EAST INDIAMAN,
ON THE
COAST OF AFRICA.
The Grosvenor, East Indiaman, commanded by Captain
Coxon, sailed from Trincomalee, in the island of Ceylon, on
the 13th of June, 1782, on her homeward-bound voyage. On
the 3rd of August, as well as on the preceding day, the wind
blew very hard, and on the 4th, which was Sunday, the ship
lay-to under a fore-sail and mizzen staysail ; the captain at
that time considering them a hundred leagues from the nearest
land.
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 47
Before daylight, John Hynes, a seaman, with one Lewis,
and several others, were aloft striking the fore-top-gallantmast.
While there, Hynes asked Lewis if he did not think there
was land ahead, and where he thought he saw breakers ; to
which Lewis replying in the affirmative, they all hastened
down to inform Mr. Beale, the third-mate, who then had the
watch, of so alarming an occurrence.
Mr. Beale, however, instead of paying any attention to
their information, only laughed at their knowledge, and
refused to give the slightest credit to their conjectures ; but
Lewis immediately ran into the cabin and informed the
captain, who instantly came out, and ordered the ship to be
wore. The helm was accordingly put hard-a-weather the
mizzen staysail hauled down, the fore-topsail and jib let go
and the after-yards squared, by which means the ship's head
was brought nearly round ; but, unfortunately, before this
could be accomplished her keel struck. Every soul on board
instantly rushed upon deck, the ship all the time beating
very violently. Horror and apprehension were now painted
in every one's features, though the captain endeavoured to
dispel the alarm which was necessarily created, and to pacify
the passengers on the assurance that he was not without
hope of being able to save them all, and earnestly entreated
that all of them would be composed. The pumps were
sounded, but no water was found in the hold, as the ship's
stern was lying high on the rocks, and the fore part being
considerably lower, it had all run forward. About ten
minutes after the ship struck the wind changed, and blew off
shore, which made them terribly apprehensive of being driven
Dut to sea, and thereby deprived of their only chance of
Bafety.
The gunner was ordered to fire signals of distress, but on
his attempting to get into the powder-room, he found it full
of water ; the captain therefore ordered the mainmast first to
be cut away, and then the foremast ; from this, however, they
derived no beneficial effect, and as the ship was lying within
three hundred yards of the shore, it proved next to an im-
possibility to save her.
It is impossible to describe the distraction of those on
board at this awful crisis ; every countenance exhibited the
workings of despair, and the greatest anarchy and confusion
prevailed. Those who were most composed were employed
in devising some means to gain the shore, and set about fram-
48 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
ing a raft of such masts, yards, and spars as could be got
together, by which expedient there was a prospect of convey-
ing the women, children, and sick persons, safely to land.
In the meantime a Lascar and two Italians attempted to
swim ashore with the deep sea-line, when one of the latter
perished in the attempt, though the others succeeded. By
means of the small line a much larger one was conveyed on
shore, and by the aid of this one, a hawser. In drawing the
hawser ashore, the two men were assisted by a great number
of the natives, who had now crowded to the water's edge.
The masts were soon drove in by the surf and current, and
whenever within reach were stripped of their hoops by the
natives.
After the hawser was got out, it was fastened round the
rocks by one end, while the other was made fast to the
capstan on board, by which it was hauled tight. Most of
the people in the wreck had been employed in constructing a
raft, which by this time was finished, and a nine-inch hawser
being fastened round it, they launched it overboard and veered
it away towards the stern of the ship, that the women and
children might the more easily embark from the quarter-
gallery. Four men got upon it in order to assist them, but
although the hawser was new, the violence of the surf im-
mediately snapped it in two, and the raft driving on shore,
upset, by which three of the men were drowned.
Before the masts were cut away, the yawl and jolly-boat
were hoisted out ; but no sooner were they over the ship's
side, than they were dashed to pieces. All hands now began
to do the best they could for themselves. Some of them had
recourse to the hawser fastened ashore, and attempted
to get along it hand over hand. Despair gave strength
and resolution, and several seamen gained the land by this
difficult and hazardous expedient, while others, incapable
of accomplishing it, dropped, and were drowned ; and these
amounted to fifteen men.
The ship now separated just before the mainmast, and the
bow veering round, came athwart the stern. The wind at
the same time providentially shifted to its old quarter, and
blew directly towards the land, a circumstance that con-
tributed greatly towards saving the persons who then remained
on board, and who all got on the poop as being nearest the
shore. The wind then, in conjunction with the surges, lifting
them in the part upon which they stood, rent it asunder, fore
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 49
and aft, the deck splitting in two. In this distressing
moment, they crowded on the starboard quarter, which soon
floated into shoal water, while the other parts continued to
break off those heavy seas that would otherwise have washe^l
them away. Thus every one on board, even the women and
children, got safe ashore, the only exception being the cook's -
mate, who was intoxicated, and could not be prevailed upon
to leave the ship.
By the time the whole were landed, the day was drawing
to a close, and night was fast approaching. Fortunately the
natives, who retired with the setting sun, had left the embers
of their fire, which afforded the English the means of lighting
three others with the wood collected from the wreck. They
also got some hogs and poultry that had been driven ashore,
and made a comparatively comfortable repast. A party of
them wandering along the shore in search of articles, found
a cask of beef, one of flour, and a leaguer of arrack, which
were delivered to the captain, who served out a proper allow-
ance to each person. Two of the sails had also been driven
ashore, with which he ordered two tents to be made for the
ladies to repose in during the ensuing night.
On the morning of the fifth the natives, who were woolly-
headed and quite black, came down, and directly began carry-
ing off whatever articles struck their fancy. This conduct
excited in them a thousand apprehensions for the personal
safety of the people, particularly in the women ; but they
were allayed by observing that the natives contented them-
selves with plundering.
The following day was employed in collecting everything
that might be useful to them during a journey, which they
intended to make to the Cape of Good Hope ; but the captain
very prudently ordered two casks of spirits to be staved, to
prevent the chance of the natives becoming dangerous by
being intoxicated. He then called the survivors of the ship-
wreck together, and having shared the provisions among
them, he represented, that as on board he had been their
commanding ofiicer, he hoped they would still suffer him to
continue his command; to which they unanimously answered,
" By all means." He then proceeded to inform them, that
from the best calculations he could make, he trusted they
would be able to reach some of the Dutch settlements in the
course of fifteen or sixteen days.
On the 7th of August they set off on their journey. Mr.
50 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Logie, the chief -mate, who had been ill for some time, being^
carried by two men in a hammock slung on a pole, in which
laborious occupation all the men cheerfully took their turns.
The whole company then moved forward, and were followed
by some of the natives, while others remained near the wreck.
They found a beaten path from village to village, and were
followed for about three miles by the Caff res, who, from time
to time, took whatever they chose from them, and sometimes
threw stones at them. They soon afterwards met with a
party of about thirty, with red painted faces, and among them
a Dutchman, named Trout, who, having committed murders
among his countrymen, had fled hither for concealment. On
coming up to the Englishmen, he inquired who they were and
whither they were going; and on being told, he informed
them that their proposed journey would be attended with
unspeakable difficulties ; that they had many nations to go
through, and many deserts to pass, exclusive of the dangers
which they would certainly experience from meeting numbers
of wild beasts. They were much depressed with this informa-
tion, and offered any sum of money the Dutchman would
require, if he would conduct them to the Cape ; but this he
would not consent to, on the ground that he dreaded putting
himself in the power of the Dutch ; and also, as he had a wife
and children among the natives, they would not consent to
let him go, even if he were so inclined.
Finding their solicitations were in vain, they pursued their
journey in the same manner for four or five days. In the
daytime they were constantly surrounded by the natives, who
took from them whatever they chose, but as soon as the sun
went down they invariably retired. As they advanced they
saw many villages, but kept as far from them as possible, to
avoid the rudeness of the inhabitants. At length they came
to a deep gulley, where they met three natives, who held their
lances several times to the captain's throat, till irritated at
the insult, he wrenched one of them out of the hand of the
savage, and, breaking it, kept the barb. The natives then
went away, seeming to take no further notice of it ; but com-
ing on the next day to a very large village, they found three
or four hundred of the savages collected, all armed with lances
and targets, made of the hide of the elephant. They com-
menced an aggression upon the English by pilfering and in-
sulting them, and then began to beat them. Concluding that
they were marked for destruction, they immediately prepared
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 51
to act on the defensive, and, accordingly, having placed the
women, children, and sick, at some distance, under the pro-
tection of about a dozen of them, the remainder, which con-
sisted of eighty or ninety, engaged their opponents for nearly
two hours and a half, when, having got possession of a rising
ground, where they could not be surrounded, a kind of com-
promise took place.
Towards dusk they lighted a fire, and at night they reposed
in the open air. During the night they were so terrified by
the noise of wild beasts, that the men were obliged to keep
watch in turn to prevent them approaching too near. On the
following morning, they were again joined by the Dutchman,
who said he had been on board the wreck and got a load of
iron, petwer, lead, and copper from it, which he was now
carrying to his kraal or village. He was quite alone, and,
after a short conversation, took up his load of plunder and
marched off.
After passing the night, disturbed as before by the bowlings
of beasts of prey, the party advanced at day-break ; about
noon the natives came as usual to plunder them, and among
other things, took away their tinderbox, fiint, and steel, which
was to them an irreparable loss, and obliged each of them to
travel with a fire-brand in his hand.
On the following day they discovered that the provisions
that they had brought with them were nearly expended, and
the fatigues of travelling with the women and children being
very great, the sailors began to murmur. Accordingly, Captain
Coxon, the first-mate, and his wife, with some of the passengers
and five of the children, agreed to keep together and travel
on slowly as before. Many of the seamen, induced by the
great promises of Colonel James and others, were prevailed
on to stay behind with them, in order to carry what little
provision was left, and the blankets ; while the second, fourth
and fifth mates, Captain Talbot, and his coxwain, four of the
passengers, and their servants, and the remainder of the sea-
men, being about forty-three in all, went on before.
This separation did not take place without great regret, as
they had little hopes of meeting again ; but on the next day
those who had left the captain's party, having waited all night
by the side of a river for the ebb tide, were overtaken, and
the whole company once more united, when they all crossed
the river, and, after travelling together the whole of that day
and part of the next, they arrived at a large village, where
52 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
they found Trout, the Dutchman, who showed them his wife
and children, and begged a piece of pork. He gave them
some directions relative to their journey, told them the names
of the places they were to pass, and the rivers they had to
cross, and they having thanked him departed.
They spent the night in company, and in the morning a
party of them went down to the sea-side, where they found
a number of oysters, muscles, and limpets, which they divided
among the women, children, and sick. Advancing until about
four o'clock, they once more agreed to separate, which they
did, and, as the sequel proved, never to meet again.
The second-mate's party, which comprised the most active
men of the whole, travelled until quite dark, when they made
a fire at a convenient place for wood and water, and reposed
for the night. The following day they travelled about thirty
miles, subsisting chiefly on wild sorrel, and such berries as
they observed the birds to peck at ; they also obtained some
shell-fish from the rocks, and then gainiug the banks of a
river which was very wide and deep, they ended their journey
for that day.
On the next morning the surge of the river deterred them
from crossing it, particularly as several of the party could
not swim. They were consequently obliged to follow its
windings up the country, when they passed many small
villages, in which, however, they could get no relief from the
inhabitants, until they came to a narrower part, where they
lashed together all the dry wood they could collect, with wood-
bines and their handkerchiefs, and thus formed a kind of
catamaran or raft, on which those who could not swim being
placed, they all got over in safety, although the river was not
less than two miles broad. They then returned towards the
seaside, where fortunately, they procured a plentiful supply
of shell-fish.
On the fourth day after this they reached a high mountain
covered with wood on the inland side, which they were obliged
to take, on account of the rocks, which made the shore im-
passable. The march was extremely fatiguing, as they had
to beat through untrodden paths, and were frequently obliged
to climb trees in order to explore their way, so that night
approached before they had gained the summit of the
mountain. There the wood terminated, and they entered
upon a spacious plain with a fine stream of water running
through it, where they passed the night. At the return of
o
a;
H
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 53
day they found that they had another wood to pass, before
again reaching the sea-side, which they did before night ; but
were so exhausted from the excessive fatigue they had under-
gone, that they contented themselves with making one fire
instead of three, which were really necessary for so many ;
and thus they used to open their oysters and muscles, as they
had been plundered by the natives of their knives, and every-
thing else but their clothes.
About noon the next day they found a dead whale upon
the beach, which had been washed up by the tide to high
water-mark. The sight of such a supply of provisions afforded
them great pleasure, but not being possessed of an instru-
ment that would cut it up, they were for some time at a
loss how they should avail themselves of their good fortune.
They, however, made a fire upon it and dug out the grilled
parts with an oyster-shell, and on this they subsisted several
days.
A fine level country inland, persuaded them that they had
reached the northernmost of the Dutch settlements, and with-
out the bounds of the Caffres. Some of the party thought it
would be most advisable to strike inland, while others were
of opinion that it would be safer still to keep the seaside.
After many arguments upon it, they at length agreed to
divide. The fourth and fifth mates, Messrs. Williams and
Taylor, Captain Talbot, his coxswain, and twenty-two seamen,
resolved to proceed inland, while the carpenter, ship's-stewart,
and cooper, Mr. D'Espenette, M. Oliver, their servant, and
about twenty-four seamen kept along the sea-shore.
The inland party advanced, during three days and nights
through a fine pleasant country, in which they saw many
deserted villages ; but all this time they had no subsistence,
except a few oysters brought from the coast, and berries, and
wild sorrel, gathered on the way. They therefore judged it
prudent to regain the shore, where, the tide being out, they
got shell-fish to allay their hunger. Soon after their separa-
tion from the others. Captain Talbot several times sat himself
down to rest, and the whole company did the same, but the
captain repeated this so often, through weariness, that the
rest went on and left him. Not so, however, his faithful
coxswain, who, seeing his master in that condition, was
observed to go back and sit by him ; but neither of the two
have ever been seen or heard of since.
At a small river where they stopped the following noon, they
54 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
found two of the carpenter's party, who, unable to swim, had
been left behind. After crossing this river, they in four days
came to another so large that none of the party thought it
prudent to attempt passing it. On marching along its banks
they came to a village, where they saw the inside of a watch,
which some of the carpenter's party had exchanged for a little
milk. They proceeded up the river for several days, and
passed many villages unmolested by the inhabitants ; and at
length crossed on a catamaran at a place where it was a mile
and a half broad, only two of them, who were terrified at the
breadth of it, being left behind. On the third day, after tra-
velling in a diagonal direction, they once more reached the
shore, where they slept, and the next day got some shell-fish,
but no fresh water.
They now fell in with a number of the savages, by whom
they were extremely ill-used, and received many blows, aa
they were unable to make any resistance. In three days they
overtook the party from whom they had separated, and found
that the carpenter had been poisoned by some kind of fruit
which he had eaten from hunger ; and that Messrs. D'Espi-
nette and Oliver, with their servant, being totally exhausted,
had been left behind : but that Master Law, a little boy not
more than seven or eight years of age, who had formed one
of their number, had borne the fatigues of the journey in a
most miraculous manner. The parties, thus again united,
had not travelled far before they found two planks on a sandy
bank, in each of which was a spike nail. Overjoyed at such
an unlooked-for requisition, they immediately set fire to the
planks, and getting out the nails, flattened them between
two stones, into something like knives ; and a little farther
on they found water, by accidently turning up the sand at
the side of a river, where they rested for the night.
After crossing the river on the following morning, they
were agreeably surprised with the sight of another dead whale
on the shore. A number of natives, armed with lances, im-
mediately came down upon them ; however, when they saw
their deplorable condition, and that they were unable to make
any resistance, they behaved very gently; and one of them
pven lent his lance to assist in cutting up the whale, junks
of which they put into bags, and carried them until they
found wood and water to dress them.
One of the people was taken ill at a river the following day,
and from hard necessity his companions were obliged to leave
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 55
him behind. Their journey was prosecuted for about four
days with great expedition, from not being retarded by seek-
ing provisions. The rivers on the coast, however, frequently
obstructed their progress, and at length they came to one
where they resolved to remain for the night ; and finding a
quantity of large berries, ate them to allay their thirst. In
the morning as it blew fresh and the weather was cold, some
of the company were unwilling to cross ; but John Hynes, a
seaman, and about ten others, impatient to get forward, swam
over, and journeyed on until they found a place with wood,
water, and shell-fish. Here they halted two days, expecting
that the others, among whom was the little boy, would come
up ; and then concluding that they had not ventured, on
account of the blowing weather, they proceeded.
Fortunately a dead seal was discovered on the beach, and
one of the knives being in the possession of this party, they
cut it up with the aid of same sharp shells, and dressing a
portion on the spot, carried the remainder with them. The
party that had been left behind came up after two days' sepa-
ration, and with them the remainder of the seal was shared.
Since the carpenter's death, the command of the party devolved
upon the steward, and to his care was entrusted the charge of
the child, whose tender years were inadequate to combat the
perils of such a journey. He strove to alleviate his sufferings,
he heard his complainings with pity, and fed him when he
could obtain wherewithal to do it.
In attempting to shorten the way by rounding a bluff rock
which projected considerably into the sea, the united party
were nearly swept away by the violence of the surf breakiog
against it. Their escape was almost miraculous ; four or five
of them lost their p ortion of the seal, and all their firebrands
were extinguished. Though greatly dispirited by this latter
misfortune, they proceeded, until coming in sight of some
females, who immediately ran off, they found the remains of
a fire, where they joyfully relighted their brands, and then
rested a few hours.
On the following day they arrived at a village, where they
obtained a young bullock in exchange for the inside of a watch
and some buttons. They killed it with one of the native's
lances, and then distributed it by cutting the whole into pieces ;
and one of the party standing with his back to the others,
named the person who should have the piece that was held
up. This was the only instance of their being able to get any
56 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
sustenance from the natives, except now and then that the
women gave a little milk to the boy.
A sandy desert next occupied them ten days in passing,
where they subsisted on the provisions they carried with them,
and procured water by digging for it in the sand. Afterwards
they passed for five or six days through a tribe called Tamboo-
kees, when they experienced various treatment. On the
borders of the sea, a party of natives advised them to go in-
land ; they did so, and, after advancing about three miles,
came to a village, where there were only women and children.
Here a little milk was obtained for the boy, and they rested
from their fatigues. In the interval the men of the village
returned from hunting, each bearing a part of a deer on the
point of his lance. Forty of them, at least, surrounded the
English, gazing on them with admiration. The natives, after
partaking of a hasty meal, started up, and in an instant ran
off to the woods, where they disappeared ; but they were not
long before they returned with a deer, which they had killed ;
and though the travellers earnestly solicited a part of it, they
refused, and insisted on their quitting the village.
After reposing four or five miles from the village, they ad-
vanced at sunrise. For several days they saw many cattle,
but had no means of obtaining any. On the banks of a river
were three or four huts containing only women and children,
and they, apparently more from fear than humanity, gave the
travellers part of the flesh of sea-cows and sea-lions, which
were hanging up in the cabins to dry. The river being a mile
broad, Hynes, and eight of his companions, swam over ; but
the rest were fearful of attempting it, and remained behind.
On crossing another river, two of their party dropped their
brands. Their method of crossing without a catamaran, was
tying up their clothes tight in a bundle, and fastening it with
a band round their heads ; the brand was stuck in the front
of their bundle, and thus preserved dry. On proceeding farther
they found another whale, and remained on the spot two days
in the hope of their companions coming up. But ten days
afterwards they discovered by some small pieces of rags
scattered on the way, that those they had left behind had got
the start of them. On entering a large sandy desert, where
little wood or water was to be seen, they observed written on
the sand at the entrance of a deep gulley — " Turn in here, and
you will find plenty of wood and water," which they hastened
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. b7
to obey, and saw, from the remains of fires and other traces,
that their companions had rested there.
Proceeding for ten or twelve days, they continued to pass
traces that denoted the advance of their companions, and fell
in with a hunting party of natives, distinguished by a kind of
shoe worn on the right foot. On the following day they
came to a more barren country, where the natives subsist by
fishing and hunting, and in three or four days longer, reached
a fine and populous district. Still they could obtain no pro-
visions ; the natives were apprehensive of their carrying away
their cattle, and repulsed the English with sticks and stones,
so that without the resource of shell-fish on the shore they
must have perished.
A violent storm of thunder, lightning, and rain, came on
one night, which they determined to pass on the sea-shore ;
and the rain was so heavy that they were obliged to hold
their canvass frocks over the fire to prevent it being extin-
guished. In the morning they remained till low water, in
order to get shell-fish, and to dry their clothes. About four
o'clock in the afternoon, they reached a large village, where
the inhabitants assembled on their approach, and wounded
several of them. One had his skull fractured, which rendered
him delirious, and he died soon afterwards. Hynes was
knocked down, and left for dead on the spot ; but recovering
soon afterwards, and recollecting the way his companions
intended to pursue, he followed them as expeditiously as he
was able.
After travelling several days over a large sandy desert, they
fell in with three savages, who immediately fled. Food was
procured with very great difficulty, as the sea-side seldom
proved rocky, and sometimes on finding a small reef, where
they expected it, they had to wait half a day for ebb-tide.
On arriving at a large river called Boschusan's Eiver, they
found Thomas Lewis, who, being sick, had been left behind
by the others. He found himself so weak, and the river so
wide, that he determined to return to the nearest village, and
there settle. His companions strove in vain to encourage
him with the prospect of surviving all his hardships, and
reaching the Cape of Good Hope in safety. In spite of their
entreaties he returned to the natives, where he most probably
found a speedy termination to his sufferings.
About noon of the fourth day, after crossing the river, the
party came up with the little boy and the ship's steward,
58 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
whom they presented with some of the flesh of a whale, which
they had fortunately found a few days before, and by which
they were much refreshed. After journeying in this way for
eight or ten days the steward and the child complained of
being ill, and requested the rest to remain for that day where
they were, which was readily agreed to. The steward and
the boy still continuing ill, their companions consented to
stay another day ; but should they not then be better, neces-
sity would render separation unavoidable.
Having prepared early in the morning whatever could be
obtained for breakfast, and willing to indulge the tender frame
of the poor child as much as they could, they intended to call
him when everything was ready. He still rested near the
iire, where all of them had slept during the preceding night ;
but on going to awake him, they found with sorrow, that his
soul had taken its flight. With great regret they bestowed
a last sigh on this youthful victim and departed.
After they had walked about two hours, Eobert Fitzgerald
asked for a shell of water, with which Hynes supplied him ;
he then asked for another, which having received, he laid
liimself down and instantly expired. Towards four o'clock
of the same day, another of the party, William Fruel, com-
plained of being very weak, and sat down on the sand by the
sea-side, where his companions were obliged to leave him, as
they had to seek wood and water ; but, on returning to the
spot to try whether they could get him on, he was nowhere
to be seen, so that they concluded he had been taken away
by wild beasts. The want of water made them suffer severely;
indeed the distresses of their former situation were nothing
compared to what they then sufiered, and on the second day
of their wanting food and water, the steward and another
expired.
Next morning two of the party were reduced to a very
languishing state, yet dreading to be left behind, they still
walked on. One of them, however, had not proceeded far
before he lay down, and his companions, unable to afford him
any assistance, recommended him to the protection of heaven,
and left him to expire. Morning brought no relief to their
sufferings, and necessity impelled them to proceed ; but their
weakness was so great that another of their number dropped
and was abandoned. They were now reduced to three, Hynes,
Evans, and Wormington, the boatswain's mate; but their
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 59
facultie3 were so much impaired that they could hardly hear
or see.
On the following morning the torments of thirst became so
dreadful, that Wormington earnestly importuned his compa-
nions to determine by lot which of them should die, in order
that the others might be preserved by drinking his blood.
Hynes declared that as long as he was able to walk he could
not think of such a proposal, but should he be obHj:jed to drop,
they might use him as they pleased. Unon this Wormington
shaking hands with Hynes and Evans suffered them to pro-
ceed without him, and they advanced without even indulging
a hope of the possibility of relief. In the course of the day
they saw something before them, which had the appearance
of large birds, but which, upon a nearer approach, they dis-
covered to be men. Nearly blind and idiots, they did not at
first recollect their newly found companions ; but after some
time they recognised in them, four of the steward's party.
One of them, a boy named Price, advanced to meet them with
the pleasing information that they had fresh water. This in-
spired them with new life, and reciprocal inquiries were made
relative to the fate of their lost companions. The three men
were named Berney, Leary, and De Lasso, who hearing that
Wormington was left behind, the two latter went in search
of him, charging them who remained not to suffer Hynes and
Evans to drink too freely of the water, as several had expired
from the eagerness with which they had swallowed it.
Wormington was recovered by the humanity of those who
went in search of him, and a painful detail of sufferincrs suc-
ceeded. It appeared that the captain's steward had been
buried in the sand of the last desert over which they passed,
and that the survivors were reduced to such an extremity,
that two of the party had been sent back to cut off part of his
flesh ; but while proceeding on this horrid errand, they had
the good fortune to discover a young seal, just d-^^'ven on shore,
which afforded them a seasonable relief. Being now arrived
at a favourable spot for water and shell-fish, they employed
two days in collecting provisions for their future journey, and
in refreshing themselves ; and having experienced the invi-
gorating effects of rest and food, they again proceeded.
With extreme difficulty and danger they passed a large
river, supposed to be the Soutass, on a catamaran, and having
reached the opposite shore, they looked back with horror and
amazement on their fortunate escape from being driven out
60 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to sea by the rapidity of the current. The united party, con-
sisting of six persons, pursued their route over a deserfc country,
and in six days reached the Schwart river, on the banks of
which they took up their abode for the night.
The next morning they swam over the river in safety, and
soon discovered another dead whale lying on the sea shore ;
and thus supplied with food, would have rested a few days,
but for the want of fresh water ; accordingly they cut up as
much of the whale as they could carry, and proceeded. On
the following morning as Price was collecting fuel, he observed
two men with guns, who belonged to a Dutch settlement in
the neighbourhood, who were in search of strayed cattle. One
of them, John Battores, supposed to be a Portuguese, was able
to converse with De Lasso, the Italian, so as to be understood :
and Battores having learned the outline of their melancholy
story, desired them to throw away what they had been col-
lecting, and promised them better fare when they reached the
habitation to which he belonged.
On reaching the house of Mynheer Christopher EoostofF, to
whom Battores was bailiff, they were treated with the kindest
attention ; bread and milk were ordered to be set before them,
and acting rather on the principles of humanity than prudence,
they were furnished with such a quantity, that their weak
stomachs were overloaded ; and, after their meal, sacks were
spread upon the ground for them to repose on. It had been
so long since they had known anything of the calculation of
time, that they were unacquainted with even the name of the
month, and were given to understand that the day of their
deliverance was the 25th of Novenber ; so that one hundred
and seventeen days had revolved since they were shipwrecked ;
a period of suffering almost unparalleled, and during which
they had often been most miraculously preserved.
On the following morning Mynheer Eoostoff killed a sheep
for the entertainment of his guests, and another Dutchman,
named Buin, came with a cart and six horses to convey them
towards the Cape : but they first proceeded to his house, where
they were hospitably entertained for four days. From that
time they were forwarded in carts from one settlement to
another, till they arrived at Swellendam, about one hundred
miles from the Cape, where they were detained till orders
were received from the governor of the Cape as to their future
destiny, as Holland and Great Britain were at that time at
war. At length two of the party were ordered to be for-
LOSS OF THE GROSVENOR. 61
warded to the Cape to be examined. Accordingly, Worm-
ington and Leary proceeded there, and after being strictly in-
terrogated, they were sent on board a Dutch man-of-war,
lying in the bay, with orders that they should be set to work.
While in this situation, Wormington imprudently threatened
to give information of some fraudulent practices in which he
discovered the boatswain was engaged ; and the boatswain
desiring him and his companion to step into a boat, conveyed
them on board a Danish East Indiaman just getting under
weigh, by which fortunate incident they first reached their
native land.
The Dutch government at the Cape, with a humanity that
does them infinite honour, on learning the particulars of the
loss of the Grosvenor, despatched a large party in quest of
the unhappy wanderers, although war was then raging between
the two nations. This detachment consisted of one hundred
Europeans and three hundred Hottentots, attended by a great
number of waggons, each drawn by eight bullocks, and under
the command of Captain MuUer, with De Lasso and Evans
as guides.
They proceeded with spirit and alacrity, until the Caffres,
in consequence of their antipathy to the colonists, interrupted
the expedition. In their progress they found Thomas Lewis,
who had been abandoned by his companions, William Hat-
terley, and another. At other places on the road they met
with seven Lascars and two black women, one of whom had
been servant to Mrs. Logic, and the other to Mrs. Hosea, from
whom they learned that soon after Hynes' party had left the
captain and the ladies, they also took separate routes, but
what became of them after this separation was not known.
Captain Muller returned to Swellendam with the three
Englishmen, the seven Lascars, and two black women, the
boy Price, and the two guides, De Lasso and Evans. The
people of colour were detained at Swellendam, but the English
were forwarded to the Cape, where, after being examined by
the governor, they were permitted to take their passage to
Europe in a Danish ship, the captain of which promised to
land them in England ; but, excepting Price, who was set on
shore at Weymouth, they were all carried to Copenhagen,
from whence they at last found their way to England.
On the 24th August, 1700, a second party of the Dutch
colonists, amply provided, set out from Kaffer Keyl's river
towards Cape Natal, on the coast of which it is supposed the
5
62 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Grosvenor was wrecked. After proceeding an immense way,
ihey arrived, on the 3rd of November, among the Hambonaas,
a nation quite different from the Caffres, and from them they
learned that they had subject to them a village of bastard
Christians, descended from people shipwrecked on the coast,
of whom three old women were still alive and married to a
Hambonaa chief. They were fortunate enough to obtain an
interview with the old women in question, who said they were
sisters ; but having been shipwrecked when children, they
could not say to what nation they originally belonged. They
seemed much pleased at an offer to take them and their
children back, but added that they wished first to gather ia
their crops.
These intrepid adventurers, who were now four hundred
and forty-seven leagues distant from the Cape, and two
hundred and twenty-six beyond any human habitation, find-
ing that they could gain no further information relative to the
wreck, or the fate of the persons who had reached the shore,
determined to return. They reached their respective homes
in July, 1791, after surmounting incredible difficulties in an
expedition to which they were prompted solely by humanity,
and the desire of relieving such of our countrymen as might
have remained alive among the natives.
LOSS OF THE
BRIG TYRREL
ON THE
COAST OF NORTH AMERICA.
The following circumstantial account of one of the most
dreadful shipwrecks on record, is given by T. Purnell, the
chief -mate, and the only person who had the good fortune to
escape.
On Sunday, June 28th, 1759, the brig Tyrrel, commanded
by Captain Arthur Cochlan, sailed from New York to Sandy
Hook, and there came to an anchor, to wait for the captain,
who was coming down with a new boat, and some other
articles. He came on board early the succeeding morning,
and the boat was cleared, hoisted in, stowed, and lashed. At
LOSS OF THE BRIG TYRREL. 63
eight o'clock a.m., they weighed anchor, sailed out of Sandy
Hook, and the same day, at noon, took their departure from
the High Land Never Sunk, and proceeded on their voyage
to Antigua. As soon as they made sail, the captain ordered
the boat to be cast loose, in order that she might be painted,
together with rudder, oars, and tiller, which he undertook to
do himself.
At four p.m., they found the vessel made a little more water
than usual ; but as it did not cause any additional labour at
the pumps, nothing further was thought . of it. At eight the
leak did not seem to increase ; but at twelve it began to blow
very hard in squalls, which threw the ship upon her broad-
side, and created an apprehension that she wanted more
ballast ; upon which the captain came on deck, it being the
starboard watch, and ordered both topsails to be close reefed.
At four the following morning the weather moderated,
which enabled them to let out both reefs ; and at eight it be-
came still more moderate, when they made more sail, and set
top-gallant-sails ; but the weather being still thick and hazy
no futher observation was taken, except that the vessel made
more water. The captain was chiefly employed in painting
the boat, oars, rudder, and tiller.
On Monday, June 30, at four p.m., the wind was at E.KE. ;
it freshened very much, and blew so hard that the brig began
to lie along in such a manner as created a general alarm.
The captain was earnestly entreated to put back for New
York, or steer for the Capes of Virginia. At eight they took
in the top-gallant- sail, and close-reefed both topsails, still
making more water ; but afterwards, becoming more moderate,
they made more sail.
On Tuesday, July 1, at four a.m., it began to blow in squalls
very hard ; took in one reef in each topsail, and continued so
until eight — the weather still thick and hazy, but no further
observations.
The next day she continued to make still more water, but,
as every watch pumped it out, this was not much regarded.
At four a.m. took in a second reef in each topsail — close-reefed
both, and down top-gallant-yard — the gale still increasing.
At four p.m. the wind got round to N., and there appeared
no likelihood of its abating. At eight the captain was well
satisfied that she was very crank and short of ballast, and
agreed to make for Bacon Island Eoad, in North Carolina ;
but in the very act of wearing her, a gust of wind suddenly
64 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
laid her down on her beam-ends, and she never rose again.
At this time Mr. Purnell, the chief-mate, was lying in the
cabin with his clothes on, not having pulled them off since
they left land ; and being rolled out of his bed, which was on
his chest, he managed, with great difficulty, to reach the
round-house door, where the first salutation he met, was from
the step-ladder that went from the quarter-deck to the poop,
which knocked him against the companion; this proved a
fortunate circumstance for those below, as by laying the
ladder against the companion it served him, and those who
were in the steerage, as a conveyance to windward. Having
transported the two after-guns forward, to bring her more by
the head, in order to make her hold a better wind, they got
through the aftermost gun-port on the quarter-deck; and
being all on her broadside, everything moveable rolled to lee-
ward : and as the vessel overset, so did the boat, and turned
bottom upwards, her lashings having previously been cast
loose by the captain's order ; and having no other prospect
of saving their lives but by the boat, Purnell, with two of the
sailors and the cabin-boy, who were all excellent swimmers,
plunged into the water, and with great difficulty righted
her ; but she was still full of water, and washing with the
water's edge. They then made fast the end of the main-sheet
to the ring in her stern-post; and those who were in the
fore-chains sent down the end of the boom-tackle, to which
they made the boat's painter fast, and lifted her a little out
of the water, so that she swam two or three inches free.
They then put the cabin-boy into her, and gave him a
bucket, which happened at the time to float by, to bale her ouU
as quick as he could ; soon after a sailor got into her with an-
other bucket, and in a very short time they got her free. They
then put two long oars, that had been stowed in the quarter
of the Tyrrel, into her, and pulled her round to windward ;
for as the wreck drifted, she made a dreadful appearance in
the water : and Mr. Purnell and two of the crew put off from
the wreck in search of the rudder, tiller, and oars, which, after
a long time, they succeeded in picking up one after another.
They then returned to their wretched companions, who were
overjoyed to see them, having given them up for lost. By
this time night drew on very fast, and they began to feel the
effects o^ hunger ; but while they were rowing, about half a
peck of white biscuit in a small cask floated out of the round
house, but before they could get at it. it was so completely
LOSS OF THE BRIG TYRREL. 65
saturated with salt water, as to be almost in a fluid state.
They found also about double the quantity of common ship-
biscuit, likewise well soaked ; and this was all the provision
they had. They could not get a drop of fresh water, neither
could the carpenter get at his tools to scuttle her sides ; for
could this have been accomplished, they might have supplied
themselves with plenty of provisions and water. By this
time it was almost dark; and, having saved one compass,
they determined to quit the wreck, and take their chance in
the boat, which was nineteen feet six inches long, and six
feet four inches broad — this was about nine o'clock, and very
dark. They had run 360 miles, by their dead reckoning, in
a S.E. by E. course. The number that sought refuge in the
boat, which was very deep, was nineteen in all, with little
hope that they should ever either see land, or long survive
their calamitous disaster. The wind got round to westward,
which was the course they wanted to steer ; but it began to
blovv and rain so very hard, that they were obliged to keep
her above water. Soon after they had left the dismal wreck,
the boat shipped two heavy seas, one after the other, and
fortunately there was not a third, or she must certainly have
been swamped.
By sunrise the next morning, July 3, they judged that they
had been running E.S.E., which was contrary to their wishes ;
but the wind dying away, the weather became very moderate.
It was now proposed to make a sail of some frocks and
trousers, but they had neither needles nor twine ; one of the
crew, however, had a needle in his knife, and another several
fishing lines in his pocket, which were unlaid by some, while
others were employed in ripping the frocks and trousers. By
sunset they had provided a terrible lug-sail ; and having split
one of the boat's thwarts, which was of yellow deal, with a
large knife which one of the crew happened to have in his
pocket, they made a yard, and lashed it together with the
strands of the fore-top-gallant halliards, that had been thrown
into the boat promiscuously. They also made a mast of one
of the long oars, and set their sails with sheets and tacks made
out of the strands of the top-gallant halliards, having the
north star only for their guide, as the compass which they
had brought with them was rendered useless, by one of the
men having trodden on it. They had a tolerable good breeze
all night ; and the whole of the next day, July 4, the weather
66 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
continued very moderate, and the people were in as good
spirits as their dreadful situation would admit.
On Saturday, July 5, the wind and weather continued much
about the same ; and by the north star they knew that they
were standing in for the land. The next day some of the
men seemed rather fatigued, and began to drink salt water ;
the wind, they imagined, had got round to the southward,
and they steered, as near as they could guess, by the north
star, to the north-west quarter ; but on the 7th, they found
that the wind had got back to the northward, and blew very
fresh. They got their oars out tlie greater part of the night ;
and the next day, the wind still dying away, the people
laboured alternately at the oars without distinction. About
noon the wind sprung up again, so that they lay by their
oars, and steered as near as they could guess about N.KW.,
continuing so until about eight or nine in the morning of
July 9, when, by the coldness of the water, they all thought
they were upon soundings. In general they were in very
good spirits ; the weather still thick and hazy ; and they found
by the north star, that they had been steering about N. by W
Thursday, July 10. By this time the people had drank so
much salt water, that it began to have a visible effect upon
their constitutions : the second mate had lost a considerable
share of his strength and spirits; and about noon the carpenter
became delirious, his malady increasing every hour, till he
became so violent that about dusk he almost overset the boat,
by attempting to throw himself overboard : as his strength,
however, failed him, he became more manageable, and they
succeeded in getting him to lie down in the middle of the
boat among some of the people. Mr. Purnell drank once a
little salt water, which he did not relish, but preferred his
own urine, which he drank occasionally as he made it. Soon
after sunset the second mate lost his speech. Mr. Purnell
desired him to lean his head on him, and he died without a
groan or a struggle on the 11th July, being the ninth day
they were in the boat. A few minutes afterwards the
carpenter breathed his last, almost in a similar manner.
These melancholy scenes rendered the situation of the
survivors more dreadful: it is impossible to describe their
feelings — despair became general, and each man, in the sad
spectacle before him, of the dead bodies of his companions,
imagined his own dissolution was at hand. Their first
impulse was prayer ; and some in the Welsh language, some
LOSS OF THE BRIG TYRREL. e>7
in Irish, and others in English, fervently prayed to the
Almighty for a speedy release from their sufferings: then,
after a little deliberation, they stripped the dead bodies, and
committed them to the deep.
The weather having become very mild, and almost calm,
they turned to, cleaned the boat, and resolved to make their
sail larger, out of the frocks and trousers of the two deceased
men. Purnell got the captain to lie down with the rest of
the people, excepting the boatswain and one man, who
assisted in making the sail larger, which they completed by
about six or seven o'clock in the afternoon, having made a
shroud out of the boat's painter, which served as a shifting
back-stay ; Purnell also fixed his red flannel waistcoat at the
mast-head, as a signal most likely to be seen. Soon after
this, some of them observed a sloop at a great distance,
coming, as they thought, from the land ; this roused every
man's spirits ; they got out their oars, at which they laboured
alternately, exerting all their remaining strength to come up
with her ; but night coming on, and the sloop getting a fresh
breeze of wind, they lost sight of her, which occasioned a
general consternation ; but the appearance of the north star,
which they kept on their starboard bow, gave them hopes
that they stood in for the land. That night died one of the
seamen, named William Wathing, at the age of sixty-four
years, having been fifty years at sea : worn out with fatigue
and hunger, he earnestly prayed to the last moment for a
drop of water to cool his tongua Early the next morning
another seaman, named Hugh Williams, also died, and in the
course of the day, another of the crew, entirely exhausted.
Early in the morning of July 13, it began to blow very
fresh, and increased so much that they were obliged to furl
their sail, and keep their boat before the wind and sea, which
drove them off soundings. In the evening the gunner died,
being six that had perished since their disaster. The weather
becoming now more moderate, and the wind in the S.W.
quarter, they made sail, not one in the boat being able to
row, and they ran all this night with a fine breeze.
The next morning, being July 14 they lost "two more, and
in the evening two others of the crew died. They were on
soundings again, and concluded the wind had got round to
the N.W. quarter. They stood in for land all this night, and
early on the following morning two others died : the bodies
of the dead were committed to the deep as soon as the breath
68 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
had departed. The weather was now thick and hazy, and
they were still certain that they were on soundings.
The cabin-boy was seldom required to do anything ; and
as his intellects at this time were very good, and his under-
standing clear, it was the opinion of Mr. Purnell that he
might survive them all, but this he prudently kept to himself.
The captain appeared likewise to be tolerably well, and to
have kept up his spirits. On account of the haziness of the
weather, they could not so well know how they steered by
day as in the night time ; for whenever the north star appeared
they endeavoured to keep it on the starboard bow, by which
means they were certain of making the land some time or
other. In the evening they lost two more of the crew, and
also before sunset, one named Thomas Philpot, an old and
experienced seaman, and very strong; he died rather convulsed,
and having latterly lost the power of articulation, his mean-
ing could not be comprehended : he was a native of Belfast,
in Ireland, and had no family. The survivors found it a
difficult task to heave the corpse overboard, as he was a very
corpulent man.
The next morning, July 16, about six or seven o'clock,
they stood in for the land, according to the best of their
judgment, but the weather was still thick and hazy. Purnell
new prevailed on the captain and boatswain to lie down in
the fore part of the boat, to bring her more by the head, in
order to make her hold a better wind. In the evening the
cabin-boy, who had lately appeared so well, and of whom the
mate had such hopes of his surviving them all, breathed his
last, leaving behind him only the captain, the chief-mate, and
the boatswain, of all the nineteen that left the wreck.
The next morning, July 17, Purnell asked his two com-
panions if they thought they could eat any of the flesh of
the poor cabin-boy, who had died the day previous, and they
having expressed an inclination to try, and the body being
quite cold, he cut a part of the inside of the thigh, just above
the knee, and gave a piece to the captain and boatswain,
reserving a small piece for himself ; but their stomachs were
so weak, from long protracted abstinence, that neither of them
could swallow a morsel of it ; the body was therefore con-
signed to the deep.
Early in the morning of the 18th, Mr. Purnell found both
his companions dead and cold ! Thus, on the sixteenth day
of his exposure to the elements, left destitute and alone, in
LOSS OF THE BRIG TYRREL. 69
an open boat on the vast expanse of ocean, without food and
without shelter, he began to think of his own dissolution.
Though feeble, his understanding was still clear, and his
spirits were as good as his forlorn and desolate situation
could possibly admit. By the colour and coldness of the
water he knew he could not be far from land, and still
maintained hopes of making it. The weather continuing
very foggy, he lay-to all this night, which was very dark
with the boat's head to the northward.
On the morning of the 9th it began to rain, but cleared up
in the afternoon, and the wind died away ; still he was con-
vinced he was on soundings.
On the 20th, in the afternoon, he thought he saw land, and
tood in for it ; but the night coming on, and it being very
dark, he lay- to, fearing he might get on some rocks and
•shoals.
On the 21st, the weather was very fine all the morning,
but towards afternoon it became thick and hazy ; his strength
was now almost exhausted, though his spirits remained good,
and he continued to drink his own water occasionally.
On the 22nd, he discovered some barnacles on the boat's
rudder, very similar to the spawn of an oyster, which filled
him with greater hopes of being near land. He unshipped
the rudder, and scraping them off with his knife, found they
were of a salt, fishy substance, and ate them ; but he was
now so weak, and the boat had so great a motion that he
found it a difficult task to re-ship the rudder.
On July 23rd, at sunrise, he became so confident that he
•saw land, that his spirits were considerably heightened. In
the middle of the day he got up, leaned his back against the
mast, and receiving considerable warmth and succour from
the sun, contrived to steer the boat in this position. The
next day he saw, at a very great distance, some kind of sail,
which he judged was coming from the land ; but this he soon
lost sight of. In the middle of the day he stood up as before,
and received warmth from the sun, and stood on all night for
the land.
Very early in the morning of the 25th, after drinking his
morning draught, to his inexpressible joy, he saw, while the
sun was rising, a sail, and when the sun was up, found she
was a two-masted vessel : he was, however considerably per-
plexed, not knowing what to do, as she was a great distance
astern, and to leeward. In order to watch her motions better,
70 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
he tacked about, and soon after this perceived she was on her
starboard tack, which was the same he had been standing ott
for many hours. Seeing she approached him very fast, he
lay-to for some time, till he believed she was within two
miles from the boat, but still to leeward ; he therefore thought
it best to steer larger, when he found she was a top-sail
schooner, nearing him very rapidly. He continued to edge
down towards her, until he had brought her about two points
under his lee bow, having it in his power to spring his luff,
or bear away. By this time she was within half a mile, and
he saw some of her crew standing forwards on her deck, and
waving for him to come under their lee-bow. At the distance
of about two hundred yards they hove the schooner up in the
wind, and kept her so until Purnell got alongside, when they
threw him a rope, still keeping the schooner in the wind.
They interrogated him very closely, as they imagined he be-
longed to a man-of-war, by the manner in which the boat and
oars were painted, and that he had run away from one of his
Majesty's ships at Halifax ; consequently, if they should take
him up, they would be liable to some punishment. They alsa
thought they might expose themselves to some contagious dis-
order, as the bodies of the captain and boatswain were lying
in the bottom of the boat, Purnell being too weak to throw
them overboard ; this kept him in suspense for some time.
They told him they had made the land that morning from the
mast-head, and that they were running along shore to Marvel-
head, to which place they belonged, and where they expected
to arrive the next morning. At last they told him he might
come on board, which, as he could not do without assistance^,
the captain ordered two of his men to assist him ; they con-
ducted him aft on the quarter-deck, and left him resting
against the companion. They were now for casting the boat
adrift, but Purnell told them she was not above a month old,,
built at New York, and would well pay them for their trouble
if they would hoist her in. To this they agreed, and having
taken out the clothes that were left by the deceased, and
thrown the two corpses overboard, they hoisted her in and
made sail.
Being now on board, Purnell asked for a little water.
Captain Castleman, who commanded the schooner, and had
two sons on board, ordered one of them to bring him some»
and thinking it too much, threw some of it away, and gave
him the remainder, being the first fresh water he had tasted
LOSS OF THE BRIG TYRREL. 71
for twenty-three days. As he leaned against the companion
all this time, he felt very cold, and begged to go below : they
helped him down to the cabin, where they left him, leaning
on the lockers, all hands being engaged in securing the boat.
After this they made some soup for him, which he thought
very good, but could eat but little ; and, in consequence of
his late draughts, he had broke out in many parts of his body^
which put him in intense pain every time he stirred. They
made a bed for him out of an old sail, and were very attentive.
While they were at breakfast a squall came on, which called
them all upon deck, and during their absence, Purnell took
up a stone bottle, and without smelling or tasting it, but
thinking it rum, took a hearty draught, and found it to be
sweet oil
They still ran along shore, with the land in sight, and were
in great hopes of getting into port that night, but the wind
dying away, they did not get in till about nine o'clock the
next night. All this time Purnell remained like a child, some
one or other always with him, to give him whatever he wished
to eat and drink.
As soon as they came to anchor. Captain Castleman went
on shore, and returned the next morning with the owner,.
John Picket, Esq. Soon after they got Purnell into a boat,
and carried him on shore, as he was still so feeble that he
was obliged to be supported by two men. Mr. Picket took a
comfortable lodging, and hired a nurse to attend him; he
was immediately put to bed, and in the course of the day was
visited by every doctor in the town, who all gave him hopes
of recovering, but that the stronger his constitution was, the
longer time it would take to recover his strength ; and though
treated with every kindness and attention that humanity
could dictate, it was three weeks before he was able to come
down stairs. The nails of his fingers and toes withered to
nothing, and it was many months before they began to grow
again. The boat and oars were sold for ninety-five dollars,
which paid all his expenses, and procured him a passage to
Boston.
72 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER
ON THE
COAST OF PATAGONIA.
An expedition on a great scale against the settlement of the
Spaniards having been resolved on by the British government,
six vessels of war and two store-ships sailed from England for
South America, on the 18th of September, 1740, one of which
was the Wager, the subject of the following narrative.
The Wager was an old East Indiaman, which was purchased
and fitted out as a man-of-war for this occasion, and being
used as a store-ship, was deeply laden with military and other
stores for the use of the other ships, besides being encumbered
with bale goods and other merchandise. For some reason
the expedition was delayed beyond the proper time, and
proper regard was not paid to the necessary requisites for a
voyage round Cape Horn, in a vessel of her quality and con-
dition. The crew consisted of men pressed from long voyages
and the land forces, of infirm and decrepid invalids from
Chelsea Hospital, in despair at the prospect of such a long
and arduous expedition,
On October 27th the Wager anchored in Funchal Eoad, in
the island of Madeira, where they obtained a supply of water.
On the 4th of November, Captain Kidd was removed to the
Pearl, one of the squadron, and was succeeded by Captain
Murray ; but on the 17th of February, 1741 , another change
ensued by the death of Captain Kidd in the Pearl, who was
succeeded by Captain Murray, and Captain Cheap had the
command of the Wager.
On the 1st of April the commodore ordered the carpenter
of the Wager on board the Gloucester, and during his absence
they experienced a great deal of bad weather, and when near
the southernmost mouth of the Straits of Le Maire, a sudden
shift of wind almost drove them on the rocks of Staten Island.
They, however, contrived to weather them, contrary to the
expectations of the squadron, with whom they kept company
for some time.
On the 8th of April the mizen-mast was carried away by
the great roll of a hollow sea, which broke all the chain-plates
to windward ; and on the 12th there was a heavy gale with a
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 73
great swell. At seven in the morning a sea broke over the
ship, which carried the gunner over the wheel, bilged the
cutter, and canted her off the sheets, bottom up, athwart the
barge. The long-boat was also half-filled, when she was
scuttled, and the cutter was recovered to her place. The
spritsail-yard and jibboom were got in for fear of endangering
the bowsprit. The rigging was all gone, and broke fore and
aft, and almost the whole of the crew were at this time sick.
The carpenter having returned on the 14th, the tempestuous
weather and swell of the sea being previously too great and
dangerous for boats, a cap was fitted on the stump of the
mizenmast, and a lower studdingsail-booni of forty feet got
up. This, however, and patching up the rigging, proved only
a temporary expedient ; for on the 1st of May, after a con-
sultation of the officers, it was resolved to cut away the best
bower-anchor, as there was no possibility of securing it with-
out putting the foremast in extreme danger, as all the shrouds
and chain-plates were broke, and the ship in a crazy condition.
Thus shattered and disabled, the Wager lost sight of the
squadron; and from an error in conjecture as to their
situation, there being no charts of that coast, and the weather
being unfavourable for observation, they had the additional
mortification to find themselves bearing for a lee-shore. It
had been generally understood in the ship, that the place of
rendezvous was the island of Juan Fernandez, to which,
considering the condition she was in, the officers advised the
captain to repair. A quantity of weeds and the flights of
certain birds indicated their approach towards the land, and
alarm began now to be excited for the danger of a lee-shore.
The gunner informed the captain, that by his desire, he had
calculated the longitude, and judged them to be sixty leagues
from land ; and then the captain told him that the place of
rendezvous was the island of Socoro. The captain stated that
he had no intention of coming to an anchor, but that he
meant to stand off and on for twenty-four hours ; and if in
that time he saw none of the squadron, he should then go to
Juan Fernandez. *' Sir," replied the gunner, " the ship is a
perfect wreck, our mizen-mast gone, with the standing rigging
fore and abaft, and all our people down, twelve only being fit
for duty ; it may therefore be dangerous to fall in with the
land." The captain observed, it did not signify, as he was
determined to obey his orders and go to the first place of
rendezvous. It may here be necessary to observe, that the
74 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
island of Socoro is in the neighbourhood of Baldivia, the
capture of which place could not be effected without the
junction of the Wager, which carried the naval and military
stores.
On the 13th the captain unfortunately fell and dislocated
his shoulder, which confined him to his cabin ; and at eight
in the morning the straps of the fore-gear blocks breaking
the foreyard came down, which was some time before it could
be got up again, so many of the crew being disabled by sick-
ness. At nine o'clock the carpenter going forward saw land
from the forecastle, and pointed it out to the lieutenant on
deck, who would not believe it to be the case ; till at length,
when the fact would admit of no doubt, the gunner informed
the captain, who immediately gave orders to swing the fore-
yard up, to set the foresail, and wear the ship with her head
to the southward. Every exertion was made to crowd her
off the land, but from the wind being tempestuous, had now
increased to a perfect hurricane and blowing right in upon
^hore, that every attempt from so small a number of hands
was rendered utterly useless.
The night came on dreadful beyond description; during
the first and middle watch it blew and rained tremendously,
and in throwing out the topsail to claw off the shore, they
were blown from the yard. It was at the same time so
extremely dark, that the people could not see the length of
the ship.
On Thursday the 14th, at four in the morning, the ship
came up with her head to the west, so that she was then
standing off the shore ; but in half-an-hour afterwards she
struck abaft on a sunken rock.
The shock, though very great, so nearly resembled that of
a heavy sea, such as they had often experienced in the preced-
ing storms, that they took it for nothing else; they were,
however, soon undeceived, by the ship striking a second time
more violently than before, which laid her upon her beam-
ends, the sea making a fair breach over her.
In this dreadful situation the vessel lay for some little
time, every one on board expecting the present moment to be
his last; and numbers, who being in the last stage of the
scurvy, unable to leave their hammocks, already drowned.
Around them nothing was visible but breakers, till at length
a mountainous sea threw her off the rocks, upon which she
immediately struck again and broke her tiller, so that they
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 75
were obliged to steer with the main and fore sheets, easing
off one and hauling aft the other as she came-to or fell off.
In this terrific crisis of their fate, to have observed the
various modes by which this accumulation of horrors operated
upon the different characters and dispositions of individuals,
would have required an observer free of all impressions of his
own danger. One man in particular was seen stalking about
the deck in the ravings of despair, and flourishing a cutlass
about his head, called himself king of the country, and struck
ut every one he came near, till his companions knocked him
lown, as a security against his violence. Some who had been
/educed by long sickness and the scurvy, became bereaved of
sensation, and were tossed to and fro upon the deck like in-
Animate logs ; indeed so fearful were the foaming breakers all
Around, that one of the bravest men on board, dismayed at
their threatening appearance, would have thrown himself over
the rails of the quarter-deck had he not been prevented.
There were, however, several instances of presence of mind
that were truly heroic. The man at the helm kept his station
when the rudder and tiller were gone ; and on one of the
officers asking him if the ship would steer, he steadily made
a trial by the wheel, and then answered with the same respect
and coolness as if the ship had been in perfect safety. Mr.
Jones, the mate, who not only survived the wreck of the
Wager, but afterwards that of the Litchfield, on the coast of
Barbary, was not only himself undaunted at the threatening
danger, but endeavoured to inspire the same confidence in
others. " My friends," he said, " let us not be discouraged.
Did you never see a ship among the breakers before ? Come,
lend a hand ; here is a sheet, and here is a brace ; lay hold.
I don't doubt but that we may yet bring her near enough to
land to save all our lives." This ready address contributed
to keep up the spirits of the people who now went to work
in earnest.
They now ran in between an opening of the rocks, steering
by the sheets and braces, till providentially they stuck fast
between two great rocks, the one to windward sheltering them
in some measure from the violence of the sea. The mainmast
and foremast were immediately cut by the board, and the
sheet-anchor from the gunwale ; but the ship continued beat-
ing so violently, that they had very little hopes of her holding
long together.
The long-expected day at length broke on the horrors of
76 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
this long night, and the weather clearing up a few moments
gave them a glimpse of the shore, Tneir only consideration
now was to save their lives, as the the land did not seem above
a musket-shot off; it was, however, a work of some time to
get out the boats, and the first that was launched over the
gunwale, had so many who leaped into her, that she was almost
overloaded. The captain sent the barge ashore to see if the
land was inhabited, but not returning so soon as expected the
yawl was sent after her.
The captain being confined to his bed from the accident he
had met, Mr. Byron, a midshipman, went down to him and
asked whether he would not go on shore, but he answered as
he had done before, that he should be the last to leave the
ship, and ordered Mr. Byron to assist in getting out the men
as speedily as possible.
The scene within the ship became suddenly changed ; those
who had exhibited the strongest signs of fear, conceiving them-
selves now out of immediate danger, grew riotous ; they broke
open every box they could reach, stove in the heads of the
casks of wine and brandy as they were brought up from the
hold, and got so completely intoxicated that several of them
were drowned on board, and lay floating aboat the decks for
several days afterwards.
As long as any liquor could be got at, the boatswain and
several of the crew would not leave the ship. Captain Cheap
allowed himself, therefore, to be assisted out of bed, put into
the boat, and carried ashore along with the other officers ; but
the master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter remained on
board.
It would naturally be supposed that gaining the shore was
the most desirable object to be attained by men thus on the
point of perishing by shipwreck — yet all things considered, it
was doubtful whether those who landed were bettered by the
exchange. Whichever way they turned their eyes a scene of
horror and desolation presented itself ; upon the one side the
wreck, and with it all they had in the world to subsist upon,
and a boisterous element presented a hideous prospect ; while
on the other, the bleak and barren aspect of the shore promised
no other advantage than merely preservation from the sea.
In exerting themselves against impending evils, and search-
ing for some shelter for their benumbed and almost helpless
limbs, they discovered an Indian hut, in a wood, at a small
distance from the beach, and into this as many as possible,
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 11
crowded themselves during the night, which was extremely
tempestuous and rainy.
In this wretched hovel, a lieutenant of marines died during
the night ; and of those who took shelter under a tree for
want of room in the hut, two also perished from the inclemency
of the weather.
The calls of hunger, which had hitherto been quelled by
more immediate dangers, in the morning became too impor-
tunate to be resisted. Many of them had fasted forty-eight
hours, and several a much longer time ; it therefore became
necessary to examine what they had brought ashore. Only
two or three pounds of biscuit dust had been saved, and those
who had been sent out were only enabled to kill one seagull,
and gather some wild celery ; these were put into a pot, with
a considerable quantity of water, and made into soup ; but no
sooner had they swallowed it than they were seized with a
most painful sickness of the stomach, violent retchings, and
other symptoms of being poisoned. This was attributed to
the wild herbs ; but upon examination, it was found that the
biscuit dust, which was the sweepings of the bread-room, had
been put into a tobacco-bag, whose contents had mixed with
the dust and proved a strong emetic.
About one hundred and forty had by this time got on shore,
but some few still remained on the wreck, among whom was
the boatswain. An officer was sent in the yawl to visit them
and endeavour to prevail upon them to join the rest, but he
found them in such disorder and disposition to mutiny, that
he was obliged to abandon his purpose and return without
them.
Those on shore were strongly induced to make a survey of
the land, but apprehensive that the Indians might be in the
vicinity, they limited their excursions, the ground being
morassy and unpromising. The spot which they occupied
was a bay formed by hilly promontories ; that to the north,
which they called Mount Misery, was so exceedingly steep
that they were obliged to cut steps in it to enable them to
ascend, as the proximity of the sea prevented them going
round it.
The next night proved extremely tempestuous, and the sea
running very high, threatened those who were on board with
destruction from the ship parting asunder. They were then
as solicitous to get ashore as they were before obstinate in
rejecting assistance ; and not finding the boat come to their
6
78 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
relief the instant they expected it, they fired one of their
quarter-deck guns at the hut. The ball passed just over the
covering, and was distinctly heard by the captain and others
who were within. Another attempt was therefore made to
bring these inconsiderate people on shore, but owing to the
violence of the sea the attempt proved abortive.
The people on board now became outrageous at the delay,
and carrying their intemperance to excess, broke open chests
and cabins for plunder that must be useless to them ; and so
intent were they on pillage, that one man had evidently been
murdered for his share of the spoil, as his corpse presented
all the marks of strangulation. In the perpetration of these
outrages, they did not forget to provide themselves with arms
and ammunition, of which the officers were greatly in need ;
but of these they were soon deprived on coming ashore by the
resolution of Captain Cheap and Lieutenant Hamilton, who
held loaded pistols to their breasts.
Among the mutineers who had been left on board was the
boatswain, and he, instead of exerting the authority he had
over the rest to restrain them as much as possible, was him-
self a ringleader in the riot. This man came on shore, dressed
up in laced clothes ; but notwithstanding the figure he then
made, Captain Cheap, by a well aimed blow with his cane,
felled him to the ground. It was scarcely possible to refrain
from laughter at the whimsical appearance which was made
by these fellows, who, having rifled the chests of the officers'
best suits, had put them on over their greasy trousers, and
dirty checked shirts. They were, however, soon stripped of
their finery as they had before been obliged to resign their
arms.
As the incessant rains and extreme cold rendered it necessary
to obtain some more shelter than the hut afforded ; the gunner,
carpenter, and several more, turned the cutter keel upwards,
and fixing it on props, it formed no despicable habitation.
This allowed them more time to look after provisions, and they
soon supplied themselves with sea-fowls, limpets, mussels, and
other shell-fish in tolerable abundance ; but, notwithstanding
the utmost industry, the supply was far short of the necessities
of so many. The wreck was, therefore, resorted to as fre-
quently as possible, which at best formed only a precarious
addition, and several officers always stood armed on the beach
as the boats anived, to prevent the men embezzling what was
broughtw
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 79
In order to secure what had thus been obtained, Captain
Cheap ordered a store-tent to be erected near his hut, from
which nothing should be served unless in certain measure and
proportions. The petty officers were appointed to watch the
tent by night, which was a severe duty, considering their
being engaged by day in search of food ; but, notwithstanding
their utmost vigilance, frequent robberies were committed on
the stores ; and one night when Mr. Byron had the watch he
came unawares on a thief, and, presenting a pistol to his breast,
compelled him to submit to be tied to a post until he had an
opportunity of more effectually securing him.
The proportions that could be afforded were so small that,
even with what they could find on the coast, many perished
of hunger.
A boy, who had picked up the liver of one of the drowned
men, could, with difficulty, be restrained from making a meal
of it ; while the shore was searched night and day, and those
who were less fortunate than their neighbours, if they did
not perish of hunger, were driven to the utmost extremity.
It was only on the 25th of May that provisions began to be
regularly served out from the store-tent, whereas the wreck
took place on the 14th.
On the 20th of May, the long-boat was got out by cutting
away the gunwale of the wreck, and several men were found
drowned in it ; the decks were also scuttled in order to get
at the contents below. While engaged in these operations,
three canoes with Indians came alongside the wreck, from
around a point to the southward, but they could not be in-
duced to enter into any intercourse with the people of the
Wager, till having received presents of cloth and other things,
they allowed themselves to be conducted to the captain, with
whom they bartered for a dog or two, which those on shore
roasted and ate. In a short time after their departure, they
returned, brioging with them three sheep, which it was thought
they had brought from a distance, as there was no appearance
of them in the surrounding country.
It was now ascertained that the place of the shipwreck was
about ninety leagues to the northward of the western mouth
of the Straits of Magellan, in latitude between 47° and 48
south. The Cordilleras could plainly be seen from it, and by
two lagoons stretching north and south, it was supposed to
be an island.
The difficulties which the crew laboured under, and the
80 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
uncertainty of relief, soon caused their disobedience of conduct,
which prevailed from the first, to break out into insubordina-
tion. Ten of the men deserted, and after rambling up and
down the woods for some time without being able to advance,
returned and settled about a league distant from the others ;
but being still resolved to get to the mainland, they constructed
a punt, and having converted part of one of the ship's masts
into a canoe, they went away up the lagoon, with the excep-
tion of three or four of their number, and were never more
heard of.
The separation of these people was not to be regretted, as
they were a factious and desperate set of men, and there was
great reason to believe that James Mitchell, one of them, had
perpetrated no less than two murders; and on the day of
their desertion, they had actually plotted to blow up the cap-
tain in his hut, together with the surgeon and Lieutenant
Hamilton of the Marines. One of them, less wicked than the
rest, had great difficulty in dissuading them from their pur-
pose, and half a barrel of powder, together with the train,
were found actually laid.
A circumstance occurred soon after, that tended to increase
the dissatisfaction which already existed. Mr. Cozens, a
midshipman, being in confinement for intoxication, behaved
very disrespectful and insolent to the captain, and became
exceedingly riotous. A day or two afterwards, he came to
blows with the surgeon, who being the stronger man, tied his
hands behind him and left him. This conduct was probably
the effect of liquor, as, when sober, he was universally esteemed
for good-nature. A short time after this, at the hour of serv-
ing provisions, on the 10th of June, Mr. Cozens was at the
store-tent, and having lately had a quarrel with the purser,
high words arose. The latter told him he was come to mutiny,
and immediately discharged a pistol at his head, which would
have shot him, had not the cooper canted up his arm at the
instant. Lieutenant Hamilton hearing the report, ran out
with a firelock, and calling the captain, told him Cozens was
come to mutiny ; the captain came running out, and without
making any inquiries, shot him through the head. Cozens fell,
and lay on the ground weltering in his blood ; but he took
Mr. Byron, and several others by the hand, as if to bid them
farewell
The people who were alarmed by the noise of firearms,
were extremely exasperated when they learned the cause, as
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 81
Cozens was beloved by all the men ; and it was naturally ex-
pected, from the state of their minds, that something desperate
would be attempted. The captain, therefore, addressed the
people, and told them he was resolved to maintain his autho-
rity, which remained as much in force as ever, and then ordered
them to return to their tents, with which they complied.
As the long-boat had been recovered from the wreck, it
was judged expedient to enlarge her. She was therefore
hauled up on the 18th of June, put on two blocks and sawed
in two, and lengthened about twelve feet in the keel. All
hands that could be spared from obtaining subsistence were
employed in assisting the carpenter in cutting and shaping
timber. As the weather had lately been very tempestuous,
a number of things were thrown on the shore, which parties
were employed in collecting.
On the 2oth, fifty Indians, men, women, and children, came
in five canoes to settle with the Wager's people, and imme-
diately began to build four wigwams. Their canoes were laden
with seals, shell-fish, and four sheep ; and their presence might
have proved of great use : but the seamen being under little
or no control, endeavoured to seduce their wives, which gave
them such offence that they departed in a fortnight, carrying
everything along with them.
From the progress of the long-boat the people now began
to think of the course they should take in getting home ; and
having obtained Sir John Narborough's voyage from Captain
Cheap, they thought the best way would be by the Straits of
Magellan. The captain's opinion was different, as he planned
going northwards, seizing a ship from the enemy, and joining
the commodore of the squadron.
After the Indians had gone, the distresses of the people for
want of food became almost insupportable. Their number
originally one hundred and forty-five, had been reduced by
famine to a hundred. Mr. Byron had built a small hut, fit to
contain only himself and an Indian dog which he had found
straying in the woods. At low water, he provided for himself
by feeding on limpets along the shore, and the dog guarded
his hut ; but the general distress became now so urgent that
a party came to the hut, telling Mr. Byron that they must
eat his dog or starve ; and in spite of his entreaties, took him
away by force, and killed him. Mr. Byron thinking himself
at any rate entitled to a share, sat down and eat with them.
Three weeks after, recollecting the spot where the dog was
82 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
killed, he went to it, and was glad to make a meal of the paws
and skin, which he found thrown aside and rotten.
The calls of hunger became so pressing, that the men were
put to many shifts in endeavouring to satisfy it. Among the
most ingenious of the expedients resorted to, one Phipps, a
boatswain's mate, having got a water-puncheon, scuttled it>
and then lashing two logs, one on each side, went out to sea
in quest of subsistence. By this means he would frequently
provide himself with wild-fowl when all the rest were starving.
He was at last unfortunately overset by a heavy sea at a great
distance from the shore, but being near a rock, he contrived
to scramble to it. There he remained for two days with very
little prospect of relief ; till fortunately a boat which had
gone out that way in quest of wild-fowl, discovered his signals
and rescued him. But this accident did not discourage him ;
for soon after, having obtained an ox's hide used in sifting
powder, he formed it into something like a canoe, with the
assistance of some hoops, and made several successful voyages
in it.
When the weather would permit they seldom failed of get-
ting some wild fowl ; but they were visited, by almost in-
cessant tempests, which were productive if disastrous conse-
quences. On one occasion, Mr. Byron and two others, having
gone on an excursion in a wretched punt of their own making,
had no sooner landed on a high rock, than the punt was driven
loose by a sudden squall, and had not one of the men jumped
into the sea at the risk of his life, and swam to her, they must
in all probability have perished, as the rock was more than
three leagues from the island.
The long-boat, being nearly finished, a party of fourteen,
consisting of Mr. Byron, Mr. Bulkley, Mr. Jones, the purser,
and ten men, were sent out in a barge to reconnoitre the
coast. In this expedition they had the usual bad weather,
and on the third day, having landed in a fine bay, they pitched
a bell-tent which they had brought with them, in the wood
opposite to where the barge lay; but this not being large
enough to contain them all, four of the men went to the end
of the bay, about two miles distant from the tent, to occupy
an old Indian wigwam which they had discovered. This they
covered with sea-weed, and lighting a fire, laid themselves
down in the hope to find a remedy for hunger in sleep ; but
they had not long composed themselves before one of them
was disturbed by the blowing of some animal in his face, and
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 83
on openinpj his eyes, what was his astonishment to see, by the
glimmering of the fire, a large beast standing over him. He
had presence of mind, however, to snatch a brand from the
fire, which he thrust at the nose of the animal, which then
made off. He awakened his companions, who were horror-
struck at his recital ; but such was their excessive drowsiness
that they were soon asleep again, notwithstanding their dread
of another visit. In the morning they traced the impression
of the animal's foot, which was large, and provided with claws,
and then proceeded, with considerable anxiety, towards their
friends in the bell-tent, whom they found had been visited by
the same unwelcome guest, which they had driven away by
the same expedient.
The party returning to Wager's Island, found that six
canoes of Indians had been there during their absence, and
had brought some supplies of provisions with them. But the
murmurings and dissatisfaction of the people had also in that
interval increased to a great extent. They held frequent
assemblies, which ended in a written declaration, on the 4th
of August, that they considered the safest passage homeward
by the straits of Magellan ; and when they found that the
captain would not alter his resolution, but insisted on the full
exercise of his authority as before, they carried their muti-
nous designs to the utmost extremity, and resolved to deprive
the captain of his command.
The people being in arms on the 28th of August, respecting
the punishment of depredators upon the stores, gave three
cheers while the captain was consulting with the officers,
calling out for England, and sailing by the Straits of Magel-
lan. The captain hearing the noise, came out from the tent,
and was informed of their design to take the command from
him, and bestow it on the lieutenant ; on which he exclaimed
in an authoritative tone : — " Who is he that will take the
command from me ? " and turning to the lieutenant, said, " Is
it you, sir ? " but the lieutenant, dismayed by the captain's
aspect, and growing pale as ashes, answered, " No, sir !" The
mutineers then returned to the captain of marines, and in-
formed him that the lieutenant had declined the command.
All order and discipline were now entirely at an end, and
soon afterwards another device was adopted to wrest the
command from the captain. They determined to seize him
for having killed Cozens, the midshipman, and carry him a
prisoner to England. Accordingly, their project was executed
84 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
on the 9th of October, when, well aware of his resolution and
intrepidity, they rushed into his tent in a body, surprised him
in the morning in bed, and carried him, exposed to insult on
the way, to the purser's tent.
The captain, a few days afterwards, sent for the gunner,
and learning their intention of carrying him a prisoner to
England, he said that he would rather be shot, and desired
the gunner to ask the people to let him remain on the island.
This they readily assented to ; and Lieutenant Hamilton, of
the marines, and the surgeon, consented to stay with him.
The mutineers also allowed him an equal proportion of pro-
visions, and the same for eight deserters, together with some
arms and ammunition. They then conferred the command
on Lieutenant Beans, and set sail on the 13th of October, in
the long boat, cutter, and barge, to the number of eighty-one
persons.
On running along the coast, they split the foresail of one
of the boats, and in two days it was thought necessary to re-
turn to the wreck, and endeavour to recover some canvas.
Mr. Byron had pre-determined to leave the mutineers ; and
therefore, returned with those who were sent back in the
barge. In the course of this excursion, a portion of the party
declared the same intention of returning, and they were gladly
received by Captain Cheap, on their arrival at the island.
As the captain was now relieved by the departure of the
long-boat from the menaces and disturbances of an unruly
crew, and his strength increased by the accession of so many,
he determined to put into execution his plan of going to the
northward; a message was therefore sent to the deserters,
who had settled on the other side of the neighbouring lagoon,
to obtain their consent to join in the undertaking. This they
readily agreed to, and the number of person^n all amounted
to twenty ; but the only boats remaining to carry them were
the barge and the yawl, both very crazy bottoms ; the broad-
side of the latter entirely out, and the former had sufifered
materially from the late bad weather. They, however, managed
to patch them together, so as to be fit for a voyage.
In the height of their distress, when hunger, which seems
to include and absorb every other species of misery, was
most prevailing, they were once more cheered by the appear-
ance of the friendly Indians ; but as they had nothing left to
barter with them, their stay was but of short duration.
A fine day, so unusual in that climate, enabled them to get
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 85
off to the wreck, where they were fortunate enough to find
three casks of beef, which was equally divided, and enabled
them to recruit their lost health and strength.
On the 15th of December they left the island ; Captain
Cheap, the surgeon, Mr. Byron, and nine men, being in the
barge ; and Lieutenant Hamilton, Mr. Campbell, a midship-
man, and six men in the yawl. They steered for a cape, or
head-land, apparently about thirty leagues distant ; but they
had not been above two hours at sea before the wind shifted
to the westward, and a heavy gale came on. The men were
obliged to sit close together to windward to receive the seas
on their backs, and soon after they were under the necessity
of throwing everything, even their beef and grapnel, overboard
to prevent the boats sinking. Night was approaching, and
they were fast driving on a lea-shore, when the sea broke over
them in such a frightful manner that they did not think it
possible any boat could live. In this dreadful situation, ex-
pecting every instant to be dashed to pieces, those in the barge
discovered an opening in the rocks, which they made, and
found within a harbour as smooth as a mill-pond ; and to add
to their joy, they found that the yawl had got there before
them.
Here they passed the night without food or firing, and put
to sea the following morning. After tugging all day, they
reached a small swampy island, where bad weather confined
them several days. They then continued running along the
coast, generally without anything to eat except sea-tangle, till
at length they ate the shoes from their feet, which consists of
raw seal-skin. Soon after this, the weather being extremely
bad, and judging it to be Christmas-day, all hands went ashore
except two in each boat as boat-keepers. Mr. Byron was on
duty with another man, and the yawl lay between them and
the shore at a grapnel, when overcome by fatigue, they fell
asleep. At last, Mr. Byron was awakened by the excessive
motion of the boat and roaring of breakers, and, at the same
time, heard a shrieking of persons in distress ; when looking
out, he saw the yawl overset, and soon afterwards she disap-
peared. Dreading the same fate, he and his companion strug-
gled to row the barge without the breakers, and then letting
go the grapnel, they lay the whole of the day struggling with
hunger and cold.
On the next day, the weather admitted of their going near
the shore, when their companions threw them some seal's
86 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
liver, which they devoured greedily ; but after suffering
severely from sickness, their whole skin peeled off from head
to foot.
Tlie yawl thus being lost, and the barge too small to carry
off all the men, it was indispensible to leave four of them be-
hind ; but the fatigues and distresses they had endured, made
it a matter of indifference to them whether to remain or take
their chance in the boat. Four marines remained, to whom
they gave arms, ammunition, and some necessaries. At part-
ing they stood on the beach and gave them three cheers ; a
short time afterwards, they were seen helping one another
over a hideous tract of rocks, and in all probability met a
miserable end, as they were never afterwards heard of.
The rest of the adventurers rowing along, still made an at-
tempt to double the cape in view ; but a terrible sea was run-
ning, and the swell carried the barge in upon the breakers,
that it was with the utmost difficulty they could get her off
again, so that they found it impossible to double the cape ;
and after remaining all night, lying upon their oars, they re-
solved to return to Wager Island.
They were fortunate enough to kill some seals which served
for stock, and then proceeded on their voyage ; they arrived
at the island, after having been out exactly two months on
this fruitless expedition. One of the huts they found, to their
surprise, was nailed up ; and on breaking it open, they con-
cluded from the iron-work collected within, that the Indians,
had been there. They had, however, little to expect from any
further intercourse, as they had nothing left to barter with
them.
They were once more driven to the greatest distress for
want of food, as the supply of shell-fish was quite exhausted ;
and, as a last resource to alleviate the misery they endured,
the sacrifice of one for the preservation of the remainder began
to be talked about in whispers. Indeed they had so long been
in the habit of eating their food raw, that many of them were
little better than cannibals.
Happily this project was prevented being put into execution
by Lieutenant Hamilton finding some pieces of rotten beef,
which he generously brought and distributed among his com-
panions ; and a few days afterwards a party of Indians came
to the island in two canoes, and were not a little surprised to
find them there ngain. Among them was a chief, or cacique,
of the tribe of the Chonos, who live in the neighbourhood of
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 87
Cliiloe, an island on the west coast of America, and the
southernmost settlement under the Spanish jurisdiction. He
spoke the Spanish language, but with that savage accent, as
to be almost unintelligible. Mr. Elliott, the surgeon, being
master of a few Spanish words, contrived to explain that their
intention was to reach some of the Spanish settlements, but
were unaquainted with the safest way, or what track would
afford subsistauce during the journey ; and promised that if
the chief would conduct them in the barge, he should have it
and everything in it for his trouble, to which, after some per-
suasion, the cacique agreed. Accordingly, having made the
best preparation they could, they embarked on board the
barge to the number of fifteen, including the cacique, whose
name was Martin, and his servant, Emanuel.
On the second day the barge reached the bottom of a great
bay, where their Indian guide had left his wife and two
children in a hut, and here they remained for two or three
days, employed in searching along the coast for shell-fish, and
then again embarked with the Indian's family. The cacique
conducted them to a river where the current was so rapid,
that after a hard struggle to get up, they were obliged to re-
turn. Exhausted with fatigue, one of the men dropped from
his seat and died ; and Mr. Byron, who had hitherto steered
the boat, was obliged to take his oar. While thus engaged,
John Bosman, who was considered the stoutest man among
them, fell from his seat under the thwarts, where he lay for
some time breaking out into the most pathetic exclamations
for some little sustenance to save him from dying. Captain
Cheap had a large piece of boiled seal by him, and was the
only one in possession of anything like a meal ; but had be-
come so familiarised with misery, and hardened with sufferings,
that the dying man's entreaties were in vain. Mr. Byron,
who sat next him, had about half-a-dozen dried shell-fish in
his pocket, one of which he put from time to time into the
dying man's mouth ; but this only served to prolong his
sufferings, till death soon after released him. The men could
not repress their indignation at the captain's neglect of the
deceased, saying that he ought to be deserted for such savage
conduct.
The cacique departed in the canoe along with his family in
quest of seals, and the English employed the time, during his
absence, in traversing the coast for shell-fish ; but not being
successful, they returned to the barge. Six of the men, and
88 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the Indian's servant, being a few paces in advance of the
others, jumped into the barge and put off, leaving their un-
fortunate companions overwhelmed with astonishment at such
treachery.
All the dangers they had hitherto experience seemed but
light in comparison to the present unexpected blow ; for in-
dependent of being thus betrayed, everything that -could have
contributed to save their lives was carried away in the boat.
The cacique, on his arrival, inquired first after the barge and
his servant ; and concluding from the unsatisfactoy answers,
that Emanuel had been murdered, he began to dread the same
fate for himself and family. They assured him that his ser-
vant would return, which fortunately happened a few days
afterwards ; for the Indian contrived to make his escape from
the barge on their landing some distance to the westward,
and returned to them overland.
The cacique being thus deprived of his stipulated reward,
another was substituted in a fowling-piece belonging to Mr.
Byron, and some little articles of Captain Cheap's. As they
were then on an island, it was arranged that the canoe should
be hauled across to a bay on the other side, from whence the
cacique should go in quest of some other Indians whom he
expected to join him ; but as the canoe was incapable of carry-
ing more than four persons, he thought it advisable to take
only Captain Cheap and Mr. Byron, and to leave his wife and
children as hostages with their companions.
Mr. Byron had to assist in rowing the canoe, and after two
days' hard labour they landed at night near six or seven wig-
wams, into one of which Captain Cheap was conducted by the
cacique ; but Mr. Byron was left to shift for himself. He
ventured to creep into the next wigwam, on his hands and
knees, for the doors of these buildings are too low to allow of
any other kind of entrance. There he found two woman, one
of whom appeared to be very young, and very handsome for
an Indian ; the other, old and as frightful as it is possible to
conceive anything in human shape to be. Having stared at
him for some time, they went out, on which he sat himself
down by the fire to warm himself, and dry the few rags he
had on. The two women came in again soon after, chattering
and laughing immoderately, till perceiving the cold and wet
condition he was in, they seemed to have compassion on him,
and the old woman fetched a quantity of wood for the fire,
while the young one, rummaging in a corner of the wigwam,
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 89
produced a fine large fish, of which he made a hearty meal,
and then lay down to sleep.
All the men of the village, excepting one of two, were
absent on an expedition, and till their return, which was
shortly expected, Mr. Byron enjoyed the good fare provided
him by his two hostesses. On the return of the men, the two
women approached an elderly Indian man, of a remarkably
stern and forbidding appearance, which was evinced by the
signs of dread apparent in them. He seemed to be a chief or
cacique, and the two women proved to be his wives. His dis-
satisfaction was clearly shown after some conversation, and
breaking out into a savage fury, he took the young woman in
his arms, and brutally dashed her to the ground. Mr. Byron
could not, without sincere regret, behold these injuries inflicted
on his benefactress, and could hardly restrain from his senti-
ments ; but, fearful of her meeting with fresh severity, and
the apprehension of adding fuel to the flame, prevented him
from interposing.
The cacique then carried Captain Cheap and Mr. Byron
back to their companions, intimating that the Indians they
saw would join them in a few days, when they should all set
out in a body, to the northward. They found Mr. Elliott, the
surgeon, in a bad way, and Lieutenant Hamilton and Mr.
Campbell almost starved, their only food being a sparing
supply of eggs, brought up by the wife of the cacique, which
she dealt out to them as haughtily as to slaves. Their con-
dition was greatly relieved by the arrival of the Indians, and
a more plentiful supply of provisions obtained, consisting both
of birds and seals ; yet their food was still served out very
sparingly, through the caprice of the Indians and the arbitrary
conduct of their own captain towards the men.
About the middle of March the Wager's people embarked
with the Indians, no two of them being put into the same
canoe. The oar fell to the lot of Mr Campbell and Mr. Byron.
Lieutenant Hamilton could not row, and Captain Cheap was
out of the question. The surgeon lay at the bottom of the
canoe in which he was put, and died the same day, as many
had done before him, of absolute starvation.
After crossing a great bay, the canoes were emptied and
carried over a small neck of land to a river, up which they
rowed two or three days and then again landed. The canoes
were taken to pieces, and each man and woman of the party,
except Captain Cheap, had something to carry. Mr. Byron
90 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
had a piece of wet, heavy canvas, with a bit of stinking seal
wrapped in it, to carry for the captain. The way was through
a thick wood and quagmire, often up to their knees, and
stumps of trees in the water obstructing their progress and
wounding their feet. Fatigued with his load, which was
ButTicient for a strong man in health on such a road, he was
left behind by two Indians who accompanied him, and soon
after, in his exertions to overtake them, he fell over a tree
into a deep swamp, where he narrowly escaped drowning.
Exhausted with the labour of extricating himself, he sat down
under a tree, where he gave way to the most melancholy re-
flections; but, sensible that if he indulged in inactivity, all
chance of rescue would be at an end, he marked a great tree,
and depositing his burthen, hastened after his companions,
with whom he came up in a few hours. Captain Cheap im-
mediately began asking for his canvas, and on being told the
disaster that had befallen Mr. Byron, instead of having com-
passion for his sufferings, there was nothing but grumbling
for the loss of the canvas and putrid seal. Mr. Byron made
no further remark, but after resting himself a little, walked
back at least five miles to the tree where he had left the parcel,
and returned just time enough to deliver it to his companions
before they embarked with the Indians. He wanted to ac-
company them, but was told he must wait for some Indians
who were to follow them ; and they left him alone upon the
beach without even a morsel of the stinking seal, about which
he had suffered so much.
Night coming on, he retired into the woods, and worn out
with fatigue, he fell asleep. As the day appeared, he dis-
covered a wigwam in the woods, where he found five Indians,
three men and two women, who gave him a small piece of
seal ; after a little rest, the whole of them departed in a canoe,
and after rowing for two days, Mr. Byron joined his compan-
ions. From hence they journeyed northward; Mr. Byron,
Mr. Campbell, and the servant only rowing, and having little
to eat, they suffered most dreadfully. After working like
galley-slaves all day, when they landed at night, instead of
rest, they had often to walk miles to get a few shell-tish, and
just as they had lighted a fire to dress them, they have been
ordered into the boat again, and kept rowing all night, till
they got into the most horrible state from emaciation and
disease, that it is possible for the imagination to conceive.
One day they fell in with about forty Indians, but the caci-
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 91
que on board the canoe did not seem to understand their lan-
guage. They, however, made them comprehend that a ship
had been upon the coast not long before, and that she had a
red flag ; this they afterwards understood to be the pink Anne.
As there was but one small canoe that intended to accom-
pany them any longer, and that in which Mr Hamilton was
intended to proceed no further northward, the cacique pro-
posed to him to join his canoe, but this he refused, as the
insolence of the Indian was to him insupportable, and rather
chose to remain where he was ; so they left him, and it was
some months before they saw him again.
They got on by slow degrees to the northward, till at last
they reached an island about thirty leagues to the southward
of Chiloe, where they remained till a favourable opportunity
should occur for crossing the bay. After a dangerous passage
from the boisterous sea and insecurity of their frail bark, they
landed upon the island of Chiloe, though in a part not in-
habited. After remaining a day in the snow to recover them-
selves from their fatigue, they set off on their journey ; and
on the evening of the second day, to their great joy, they
observed something that had the appearance of a house. This
belonged to an acquaintance of the cacique, and, having made
himself known, they brought down to them some fish and
plenty of potatoes, upon which they made the most comfort-
able meal they had made for many long months ; and as soon
as it was over, they rowed about two miles farther, to a little
village where they landed. Here they were kindly received
by the inhabitants, who seemed to vie with each other in
compassionate tenderness to these poor creatures ; though it
was midnight they went out and killed a sheep, of which they
made broth, and baked a large cake of barley meal. After they
had feasted till they could eat no longer, they went to sleep
about the fire, which the Indians took good care to keep up.
Upon their first coming, a messenger had been despatched
to the Spanish corregidor, at Castro, to inform him of their
arrival; and at the end of three days the messenger returned
with an order to the principal caciques, to carry them directly
to a certain place where a party of soldiers should be ready
to receive them. They embarked in the evening, and it was
night before they reached the appointed spot. They were
met by three or four officers, and a number of soldiers, with
swords drawn, who surrounded them as if they had the most
formidable enemy to take charge of, instead of three poor
92 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
helpless wretches, who, notwithstanding their good living
amongst the Indians, could hardly support themselves.
After remaining at Castro some time, under a state of mili-
tary surveillance^ not being allowed to go ten yards without a
military attendant, they were sent on to Chaco, another
Spanish settlement, where they underwent the same severe
discipline; but had sometimes the honour of dining at the
governor's table. Some time after they had been here, a ship
arrived from lima, which occasioned great joy amongst the
inhabitants, as no ship had been there the year before, on
account of the alarm of Lord Anson's squadron. The captain
of her was an old man, well known upon the island, who had
traded there once in two or three years, for thirty years past.
He had a remarkably large head, and was commonly known
by a nick-name they had given him, of Cabu90 de Toro, or
Bull's-head; and not a week had elapsed after his arrival
before he came to the governor, with a melancholy counten-
ance, saying, that he had not slept a wink since he came into
the harbour, as the governor was pleased to allow three English
prisoners to walk about at liberty, whom he expected every
minute would board his vessel and carry her away, although
he said he had above thirty hands on board. The governor
assured him that he would be answerable for them, but could
not help laughing at the man, as all the people in the town
did. Notwithstanding these assurances, he used the utmost
despatch in disposing of his cargo, and put to sea again, not
considering himself safe till he had lost sight of the island.
The governor carried the strangers on an annual tour which
he made through the districts of his Government ; the first
place he visited was Carelmapo, on the main, and from thence
to Castro, where they enjoyed the same liberty which they had
done &% Chaco. After some little time, and visiting a few
unimportant places, they returned to Chaco, when the governor
informed them that a ship arrived annually from Lima, which
they expected in December, and that they should be sent in
her to Lima. This vessel arrived towards the middle of De-
cember, 1742 ; and on the 2nd of January, 1743, the ofi&cers
embarked in her. She was a fine ship, deeply laden, insomuch
that the sea continually washed her decks ; the captain was
a Spaniard, quite ignorant of maritime affairs ; the crew, aU
Indians and negroes, but the latter being slaves, were never
sufi'ered to go aloft, lest they should fall overboard, and the
owners lose their value by the accident.
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 93
Hiiying made the land near Valparaiso, a great western
swell hurried the ship in towards the shore ; but a short time
afterward there sprung up a slight wind from the land, which
contributed to bring them in in safetj. The officers were
carried ashore at Valparaiso, and put in the condemned hole
in the fort, and a sentinel, with a fixed bayonet, posted at the
door.
In a few days Captain Cheap and Lieutenant Hamilton
were ordered up to St. Jago, as they were known to be officers
by having saved their commissions ; but Mr. Campbell and
Mr. Byron were left in prison, where they were supplied with
very scanty fare. However, the people of the place charitably
supplied their wants, and even the sentinel who stood over
them laid aside half his pay for their sustenance, though he
had a wife and six children.
After they had been confined a few weeks, Mr. Byron and
his companion were, by an order of the President, marched
up to St. Jago, the Capital of Chili, ninety miles distant from
Valparaiso, to which they were conducted by a muleteer, con-
veying large quantities of goods.
At St. Jago they were treated with hospitality and attention,
and immediately after their arrival, Don Manuel de Guiros,
an officer of Admiral Pizarro's squadron, generously offered
them two thousand dollars, of which they accepted six hundred,
upon condition that he would take their draft upon the English
consul at Lisbon. With this sum they got themselves suit-
ably equipped, and being on their parole, amused themselves
as they chose about the city ; and they had also liberty, on
asking it, to make excursions into the country during ten or
twelve days at a time.
After remaining here two years, during which time Mr.
Campbell changed his religion, and left the other three, viz..
Captain Cheap, Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr. Byron, the
governor informed them that a French ship, bound from Lima
to Spain, had put into Valparaiso, and that they should em-
bark in her. After taking leave of all their acquaintances at
St. Jago, they set out for Valparaiso, having mules and a
guide provided for them ; and the first person they met on
their entry into the town, was the poor soldier who had been
so kind when they were imprisoned in the fort, and whom
they made quite happy by an unexpected present for his
kindness.
On December 20, 1744, they were embarked on board the
7
94 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Lys frigate, belonging to St. Malo, a ship of four hundred and
twenty tons, sixteen guns, and sixty men. She had several
passengers on board, Spaniards of distinction, and was then
bound to Conception, in order to join three other French
ships that were likewise bound home ; but on account of the
southerly winds were obliged to stand a long way to the
westward, so that they did not make the bay of Conception
till the 6th of January, 1745, when they anchored at Talca-
guana, and there found the Louis Erasme, the Marquis d'Autin
and the Deliverance, the three French ships that they were
to accompany.
On the 27th of January they sailed from Conception ; but
in eight days after, the ship sprung a leak, forward, but so
low that there was no possibility of stopping it without re-
turning into port. They accordingly left the other ships and
returned to Valparaiso, which, as it happened, proved a for-
tunate circumstance, as the other vessels were soon afterwards
taken, which would most certainly have been the fate of the
Lys had she not returned.
After the necessary repairs they put to sea again on the 1st
of March, and made the island of Tobago on the 29th of June,
and then shaped their course for Martinico ; but not seeing
it when they expected, they imputed their mistake to the
currents, and concluded they were too much to the eastward,
they accordingly steered S. W. by W., but having run this
course about thirty leagues, and no land appearing, it was
resolved to stand to the northward till they should gain the
latitude of Porto Eico, which they made on the evening of
the 4th of July.
It was now determined to go between the islands of Porto
E-ico and St. Domingo, for Cape Francois ; after laying-to all
night, in the morning they made sail along shore. About
half-past ten they saw two sail to leeward, and soon afterwards
observed that they were in chase of them, yet in a short time
fell off ; but the two ships had neared them so much that they
could plainly make them out to be English men-of-war, the
one a two-decker, the other a twenty-gun ship. The French-
men and Spaniards on board became so frightened, that they
intended, when a breeze sprung up, to run the ship on shore ;
but recollecting the banditti that inhabited the coast, they
resolved to take their chance and stand to the northward.
The breeze soon afterwards freshened, and the ships were
fast nearing them, so that they expected nothing less than
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 95
heing taken. A fine moonlight ensued, and every moment
they were in expectation of seeing the ships alongside ; but
they saw nothing of them during the night, and in the morn-
ing there was not a ship to be seen from the mast-head. Thus
did these two cruisers lose one of the richest prizes by not
chasing an hour or two longer. There were nearly two mil-
lions of dollars on board, besides a valuable cargo. On the
8th they were off Cape La Grange, and what is remarkable
the French at Cape Frangois told them that it was the only
day they ever remembered since the war, that the Cape had
been without one or two English Privateers cruising off it.
They lay at the Cape till the end of August, when a French
squadron of five men-of-war came in, commanded by Monsieur
L'Etanducre, who were to convey a fleet of fifty merchantmen
to France, and all sailed early in September. On the 8th
they made the Cayco Grande, and the next day a Jamaica
privateer hove in sight and kept to windward, resolving to
pick up one or two of them in the night, if possible ; when
the French commodore ordered them all to keep as close as
possible. This occasioned frequent accidents, to avoid which
a fine ship of thirty guns, belonging to Marseilles, hauled
somewhat to windward, a little out of the rest of the fleet.
Monsieur L'Etanducre having observed this in the morning,
ordered the frigate to send her captain on board of him, and
then making a signal for all the convoy to close round him,
he fired a gun and hoisted a red flag at the ensign staff.
Immediately afterwards, the captain of the merchantman was
run up to the main-yard-arm, and from thence ducked three
times. He was then sent on board his ship again with orders
to keep his colours flying the whole day, to distinguish him
from the rest. The victim of this cruel treatment was said
to be a young man of good family in the south of France ;
and as he also possessed great spirit, he would not fail to
call Monsieur L'Etanducre to account when an opportunity
should offer, and the affair made much noise in France after-
wards.
On the 27th of October they made Cape Ortegal, and on
the 31st came to an anchor in Brest Eoad. The Lys having
so valuable a cargo on board, was towed into the harbour next
morning, and lashed alongside one of the men-of-war. The
money she contained, amounting to two millions of dollars,
was soon landed ; and the officers and men being impatient
to get on shore from whence they had been so many years
96 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
absent, left no one on board except the three English prisoners^
who were not suffered to leave the vessel, and a man or two-
to look after the ship.
The weather was extremely cold, was felt more severely as
they had lately been used to hot climates, and were but thinly
clad, and no fire or candle were allowed on board of any ship
in the harbour for fear of accidents, and had not some of the
officers belonging to the ship been kind enough to send them
off some victuals every day, they might have starved, for
Monsieur L'Etanducre never sent them even a message.
They had passed seven or eight days in this melancholy
manner, when, one morning, a kind of row-galley came along-
side with a number of English prisoners, belonging to twa
large privateers, which the French had taken. They were
ordered into the same boat with them, and were then carried
four leagues up the river to Landernaw, where they lived upon
their parole, took the best lodgings they could get, and did
very well for three months, when an order arrived from the
court of Spain to allow them to return home by the first ship
that offered.
Hearing that there was a Dutch ship at Morlaix ready to
sail, they took horses and travelled to that town, where they
had to wait six weeks before they had an opportunity of get-
ting away. At last, they agreed with the master of a Dutch
dogger to land them at Dover, and for which they paid him
beforehand. When they had got down the river into the road
they were hailed by a French privateer that was ready to sail
upon a cruise, with the threat of sinking him if the Dutchman
offered to sail before him. This command he was forced to-
comply with, and lay three days in the road cursing the
Frenchman, who, at the end of that time put to sea, leaving
him at liberty to do the ^ame.
They had a long uncomfortable passage, and before sunset
on the ninth day, were in sight of Dover, when they reminded
the Dutchman of his promise to land them there. He said
he would ; but instead of keeping his word, in the morning
they were off the coast of France. They loudly complained
of this piece of villany, and insisted upon his returning to land
them ; when an English man-of-war appeared to windward,
and bore down upon them. She sent her boat on board with,
an officer, who informed Captain Cheap that the ship he came
from was the Squirrel, commanded by Captain Masterson.
Captain Cheap, Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr. Byron, went
LOSS OF H.M.S. WAGER. 97
on board the Squirrel, and Captain Masterson immediately
flent one of the cutters he had with him to land them at Dover,
where they arrived that afternoon, and set off directly for
Canterbury upon post-horses ; but Captain Cheap was so tired
by the time he got there, that he could proceed no further
that night. The next morning he still found himself so much
fatigued that he could ride no longer ; it was therefore agreed
that he and Mr. Hamilton should take a post-chase, and that
Mr. Byron should ride on horseback. But here an unfortunate
<lijfficulty presented itself ; for upon sharing the little money
they had, it was not found to be sufficient to pay the charges
to London, and Mr. Byron's proportion fell so short, that it
was, by calculation, bare enough to pay for horses, without a
farthing for eating a morsel upon the road, or even to pay the
turnpikes ; but these he was obliged to defraud by riding as
hard as he could through them all, not paying the least regard
to the men who called out to stop him. The want of refresh-
ment he bore as well as he could.
When Mr. Byron arrived at the Borough he took a coach
and drove to Marlborough-street, where his friends lived when
he left England ; but, on his arrival, he found that the house
was shut up. Having been absent for so many years, and
not having heard in all that time a word from home, he knew
not who was dead or who was living, or where to go next, or
even how to pay the coachman, till recollecting a linen-draper's
shop not far from where he was, at which his family used to
deal, he ordered the coachman to drive there : he made him-
self known, and the linen-draper paid the coachman. He
then inquired after his family, and was told that his sister
had been married to Lord Carlisle, and was at that time in
Soho-square. He immediately walked to the house, and
knocked at the door ; but the porter not liking his appearance,
which was half French and half Spanish, with the addition of
a large pair of boots covered with dirt, was going to shut the
<ioor in his face, till Mr. Byron prevailed upon him to let him
in.
It must be unnecessary to state, with what surprise and
joy his sister received him. She immediately supplied him
with money sufficient to appear like the rest of his country-
men, till which time he could not properly be said to have
finished all the extraordinary scenes in which he had been in-
volved, by a series of adventures, for the space of five years
and upwards.
98 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Some of those who abandoned Captain Cheap, and had pur-
sued a different route through the Straits of Magellan, in the
long-boat, had previously reached their native land ; but the
number of those who had this good fortune was comparatively
small, and their distresses, for variety and duration, almost
without a parallel.
EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES
AND SHIPWRECK OF
CAPTAIN ROBERTS
IN THE WEST INDIES.
Numerous are the disasters to which mariners are exposed^
and the fortitude with which many of them have undergone
the most mournful reverses of fortune, teaches an useful lesson
of patience and resignation, and shows what man is capable
of acting or suffering.
Captain Roberts, who had been bred to the sea, in the year
1721, entered into a contract with several merchants of Lon-
don to sail to Virginia, and there to load with a cargo for the
Guinea trade. Having purchased to the amount of his in-
vestments, he was to proceed with them either to Barbadoes
or Virginia, as he found most likely to be conductive to the
interests of his employers ; and having disposed of his freight^
he was to load with the produce of the country, for the Lon-
don market. This was a complex and tedious enterprise, and
fortune forbade that it should be more than partially accom-
plished. Captain Eoberts indeed reached Virginia, and pur-
chased a sloop and suitable cargo, with which he steered
towards the Cape de Verd islands ; but here calamities and
distress overtook him.
Near St. Nicholas, one of those islands, he fell into the
hands of pirates, and finding him a man of spirit and intre-
pidity, they anxiously strove to unite him in the same nefari-
ous confederacy. These attempts he steadily resisted; but
his unhappy situation rendered it necessary to conform more
than he seems to have liked with their humours and prejudices.
One of the commanders amoag the pirates treated him with
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBERTS. 99
much indulgence, probably from a wish to draw him into his
lure. By the interest of this person he was to be allowed to
go on board his own ship, and to be supplied with some ne-
cessaries ; but unfortunately refusing to drink the Pretender's
health, which surely had not been a very venial offence, cir-
cumstanced as he was, one of the piratical captains threatened
to shoot him through the head; and after having insulted
him in the most inhuman manner, barbarously forced him on
board his own vessel at midnight, without provisions, water,
or sails, and with only two boys to assist in the navis^ation,
one of whom was not more than eight years of age. He was
not even allowed a light, and his ship being leaky, darkness
was doubly horrible.
That men of the most abandoned characters should so far
forget what humanity is due to their fellow men, as to expose
any one to almost certain destruction, merely on account of
a foolish toast, may excite the astonishment of the reflecting ;
nor perhaps shall we wonder much less at the romantic reso-
lution of Captain Koberts, who braved death rather than
submit to an insignificant form. Sullen obstinacy is some-
times dignified with the title of heroic constancy, and many
have been esteemed martyrs in a good cause, who only fell
sacrifices to their own perverse disposition, or unsubmitking
tempers.
Thus abandoned to his fate, and with a mind composed and
resigned. Captain Eoberts first set about pumping his vessel,
by the assistance of the elder boy. Having pretty well gained
on the water, daylight appeared, when he saw the full extent
of his miserable situation. The unfeeling wretches who had
turned him adrift, had left him scarcely anything to support
life. On rummaging the vessel, he found only a few crumbs
of bread, ten gallons of rum, a little rice, and some flour, with
two gallons of water.
With much labour he patched up a sail in three days time,
during which space himself and his two youthful companions
fed on raw flour and rice, drinking nothing but rum. But
the heat of the climate, and the fatigues to which they were
exposed, rendering this kind of food unwholesome, they made
cakes of dough with the little water they had left ; but this
operation exhausted their stock ; they soon felt the extremes
of drought, which spirits could not assuage. Providence now
favoured them with a plentiful shower of rain, with which
they quenched their thirst, and saved about a gallon over.
100 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Small as their stock of provisions was, they husbanded it
with so much care, that with the addition of a shark which
they caught, it lasted them for three weeks. When famine
began to stare them in the face, they had the good fortune to
discover the Isle of St. Anthony ; but before they could reach
the landing place, darkness had set in, and they determined
to wait in anxious expectation of the day. Thirst, however,
was so pressing, that the elder boy solicited permission to go
on shore for a little water in a small boat, and to return
directly.
No sooner was he gone than Captain Roberts, worn out
with fatigue, was taken ill, and retiring to his cabin, insensibly
dropped asleep. At midnight he waked, and running on
deck, to his extreme distress found the ship almost out of
sight of land. Astonished and afflicted at this misfortune,
he began to lose all hopes 'of recovering the shore without the
assistance of his companion ; and to aggravate his misery, the
ship was making water very fast, and the anchor was out,
which he had not strength to haul up.
The danger of sinking being most imminent, he applied
himself to the pump, and in a few hours sucked it dry. His
next labour was to heave the anchor on board, and in this,
too, he succeeded beyond his first hopes. Parched with thirst
and without a drop of water, he now endeavoured to regain
the island, and at last cast anchor in a sandy bay. The same
evening some negroes came to his assistance, bringing with
them a very seasonable supply of water. This raised his
drooping spirits ; and by the help of these poor people, who
had been engaged by the boy on shore, he attempted to steer
the ship into the port of Paraghesi. In the night, the main-
sail split, which so daunted the negroes, that they instantly
took to their boat, leaving Mr. Roberts in a more forlorn
situation than ever.
Next day while he was exerting himself to steer the vessel
to land, he heard the voices of some people in the hold, and
found three negroes, who had been left dead drunk by their
companions, from applying themselves too freely to the rum,
and were now just recovering their senses. These people
giving themselves up for lost, when they discovered their
situation, at first would render him no assistance ; but on a
little reflection, and finding they were near St. John's, they
beo-an to labour for their preservation. One of them pre-
tended to know the harbour ; but when he approached the
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBERTS. 101
«hore, he was utterly at a loss, and insisted on running th©
vessel on the rocks.
In this dilemma, Captain Roberts threatened to despatch
•the first person who should attempt this desperate deed, on
which the pretended pilot leaped overboard and swam to land.
Soon after the captain hauled in so close to Punto de Sal, that
he could almost leap on shore, and in this situation ths other
negroes left him. That evening, the moon shone bright, and
Captain Eoberts saw several of the natives on the rocks, who
next morning swam to the ship, and congratulated Captain
Eoberts on his arrival, and offered him any assistance in their
power, if he would go on shore, where they had made a large
fire to welcome him. Unfortunately he could not swim, and
for the present was obliged to remain on board ; but the
natives made his situation more comfortable by bringing him
fish and other provisions.
The succeeding day the weather looked threatening, and
Mr. Roberts was justly afraid of being driven out to sea. The
negroes kindly interested themselves in his preservation, and
after trying in vain to fasten a rope to the rocks, offered to
swim with him and his boy to land. Unwilling, however, to
quit the ship while a hope remained of saving her, he resolved
to persevere ; but next day in spite of all his efforts, the storm
drove her on the rocks, which pierced her bottom. The water
now rising rapidly, the affrighted negroes left him ; but as
soon as the storm abated, returned and swam off with the boy.
The captain now consented to leave the vessel, when two of
them, taking him by the arms, bid him be of good courage,
for St. Anthony would protect him. However, they had not
proceeded half way, when a surge parted one of his assistants,
-and had not a third instantly supplied his place, this unhappy
man must have been lost. At last he reached the land, and
soon saw his vessel part asunder, while the natives employed
themselves in swimming backwards and forwards to the wreck
to save what articles they could.
Thus was the captain happily rescued from a boisterous
sea, and the attentions of the natives were exerted to dissipate
all reflections on his still distressing situation. The negroes
then took him to the fire to warm him and dry his clothes,
^nd expressed their admiration of his fortitude and persever-
ance. The governor, too, hearing of his misfortunes, sent the
most humane offers of assistance, and he was now well supplied
with milk and fruit. But with all the alleviations of humauityj
102 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
not onlj the perils he had just escaped, but his present situa-
tion, filled him with awe and apprehension. He was now
fixed on a shelf of rocks, under the covert of others which
impended over his head. These rose to an amazing height^
and it was not without much danger that the friendly natives
descended such frightful precipices to his assistance, which it
was impossible for him to climb ! and as he could not swim,
as they did, to a landing place, his immediate prospects were
those only of prolonged misery.
In this place, Mr. Eoberts and his boy had continued for
several days, still visited by the natives, who exerted thern^
selves with increasing benevolence to relieve him. Among
those who now came off to him was a man who, to his surprise
addressed him in English. On inquiry what could bring himj
here, he said his name was Franklin, that he was a native of
Wales and having been some time detained by pirates, had
found means to escape, and to reach this island.
The conversation of Franklin gave Captain Eoberts much
consolation ; and he indulged the hopes of having the only
boat belonging to the island sent round to take him off ; but
as it did not arrive at the expected time, he became impatient-
and resolved to attempt to climb the rocks, by the assistance^
of the friendly natives.
With extreme difficulty he ascended half-way up the first
rock, some hundred feet, when looking down, his head grew
giddy with the horrid view, and, had he not been supported,,
he must have been dashed to pieces, by falling to the bottom.
At last he reached the first landing place ; from thence he-
proceeded about three quarters of a mile in a narrow path,,
open towards the sea, and sometimes found it so contracted
as barely to allow him footing. His guides, however, assisted
him with poles across the most difl&cult places ; but at last
they came to an ascent almost perpendicular, when two of the
negroes striking a crag, to try if it was fixed, a huge fragment
tumbled over them, and from the noise it raised, Eoberts ex-
pected that the cliffs above would instantly fall upon them>.
and involve them in undistinguished ruin.
When the alarm was over, they concerted measures for
further operations ; and finding it impossible for Eoberts to-
climb the remaining space, his guides descended with him in
an oblique direction, to the bottom, without any accident. The
fatigue he had undergone threw him into a fever, which lasted
near a month ; but still he had the happiaess to experience-
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBERTS. lOa*^
the unwearied assiduities of the natives ; and on his recovery
found the boat ready to receive him, and safely reached the
harbour. Unable to walk or support himself, he was fastened
upon the governor's horse, and in that state was conducted to^
his house. This gentleman, in a manner honourable to his
feelings, sympathised with Captain Koberts' distresses, and
after some time, he was invited to take up his residence with
the son of a former governor, who received him with the
pleasure of a friend. Meanwhile the natives continued their
attentions, and daily supplied him with various presents. As
soon as Eoberts was able to walk abroad, he returned the
visits of these kind people, and amused himself in joining
their hunting parties. That the breed of wild goats may
not be destroyed, no one is allowed to hunt without the
governor's consent, and that is one of the principal privileges
he enjoys.
With the mildest disposition and most benevolent inten-
tions the natives appeared to be the most ignorant and super-
stitious. They had a negro priest who officiated among them,
but his learning and understanding were nearly on a level
with those of his flock. St. John's Island, where Captain
Koberts landed, is situated in 15° 25' north latitude, and is-
very high and rocky. It produced amazing quantities of salt-
petre in several natural caverns, where it hangs like icicles,.
or forms a crust like hoar frost.
By the favour of the governor Captain Koberts set about
building a boat to carry him thence, and having saved several
of the materials from the vessel which was wrecked, the busi-
ness was carried on with spirit. The idea of visiting his-
native land inspired Koberts with resolution to persevere in
this arduous undertaking, and his operations were well seconded
by the friendship and attachment of the islanders. It is im-
possible to do adequate justice to their general conduct and
zealous good services in favour of our countryman ; and though
shipwrecked in such a situation, where he was cut off from all
hopes of deliverance, except by his own endeavours, must have
been more fortunate than in falling into the hands of such a.
gentle and benevolent race of men.
The boat being completed in the best manner that circum-
stances would allow, and supplied with an adequate stock of
provisions, Koberts devoted a few days to make his thankful
acknowledgments to the natives, who desired no other reward
but his favourable report of them to hi? countrymen ; and
104 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
having taken his leave, he embarked with his boy, two negro
mariners, who belonged to St. Nicholas, and three of these
islanders ; Franklin choosing to remain in his present situa-
tion. The evening after they mailed, they came to St. Philip's,
and landing next morning, we 'e courteously received. Here
they fell in with a person who had the title of Proanador, of
St. John's, who wanted to go to that island. The boat being
found inconvenient for a voyage of any length, this gentleman
proposed to Captain Eoberts to return with him to St. John's
and to carry with them some artificers, who would soon equip
his little vessel in a more commodious manner. This offer
was very grateful, and as several other persons wished to visit
that island, Captain Roberts accommodated them with a pas-
sage, for which he received an adequate recompense.
The same day that they weighed from St. Philip's they
reached St. John's, to the great satisfaction of all the pas-
sengers and crew, some of them being unaccustomed to nautical
expeditions, plumed themselves not a little on the voyage they
had made. The natives showed our countryman the same
humane and friendly attention as before ; and by the assist-
ance of the carpenters they had brought from St. Philip's, the
boat was considerably improved, and much better adapted for
any navigation.
Having carried back the artificers, Captain Roberts sailed
to St. Jago, and continued trading for some time among the
different islands, carrying provisions to Mayo, and loading
back with salt ; till at length, being at St. Nicholas, his boat
was staved to pieces on the rock, while himself and crew were
-on shore. The inhabitants, however, at St. John's, gave him
the most convincing proofs of their beneficence, and purchased
the broken fragments of the boat for twelve dollars.
Once more reduced to the necessity of attempting some new
expedient, or of remaining where he was, the prospects of our
author began to brighten before he could come to any decisive
resolution of his own. An English vessel arrived, commanded
by Captain Harfoot, who intended to trade among these islands
for clothes, and then proceed to Barbadoes. This officer find-
ing Captain Roberts likely to promote the objects of commerce
which he had in view, made overtures to him for entering into
the scheme, a proposal which was gladly accepted.
They visited Bona Viste, Mayo, and St. Jago. In the har-
bour of Port Praya, in the latter island, they found an English
vessel from Guinea, freighted by Portuguese merchants. She
SUFFERINGS OF SIX DESERTERS. 105^
had lost the greater part of her crew, and having still a voyage-
to Lisbon to perform, her captain was anxious to engage the
service of Roberts ; and the hope of his finding the way to
England much earlier than he could otherwise have done, pre-
vailed on him to detach himself from Captain Harfoot, and
embrace the present offer.
Having embarked in this ship, they had scarcely left St.
Jago, when the most dangerous leaks were discovered ; and as
the trade winds would not permit them to return to the Cape
Verd Islands, they had no alternative but to bear away for
Barbadoes, which island they at length reached on Christmas-
day, 1724.
At this place the ship was completely repaired, and after a
stay of three months in that island, they again directed their
course to Lisbon, when Captain Eoberts eagerly seized the
first opportunity of obtaining a passage to London, which he
reached in June, 1725, after an uniform series of distresses-
and disappointments during the period of four years.
DREADFUL SUFFERINGS
OP
SIX DESERTERS
ON
THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
On Dec. 12, 1799, a court of inquiry was held at St. Helena^.
before Captain Desfontain, president, Lieut. B. Hodson, and
Ensign Young, when the following extraordinary and affect-
ing narrative of the sufferings of six deserters from the ar-
tillery of the island of St. Helena, was made to them on oath,
by John Brown, one of the survivors : —
'* In June, 1799, 1 belonged to the first company of artillery,,
in this garrison, and on the 10th of that month, about half an
hour before parade time, M'Kinnon, gunner and orderly of
the second company, asked me if I was willing to go with him
on board of an American ship, called the Columbia, Captain
Henry Lelar, the only ship then in the roads. After some
conversation I agreed, and met him about seven o'clock, at
the playhouse, where I found one M'Quin, of Major Seale'a-
106 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
K^ompany, another man called Brighouse, another named Parr,
.and the sixth, Matthew Conway.
Parr was a good seaman, and said he would take us to the
island of Ascension, or lie off the harbour till the Columbia
-could weigh anchor and come out. We went down about
^eight o'clock to the West Eock, where the American boat,
manned with three seaman, was waiting for us and took us
.alongside the Columbia. We went on board; Parr went
•down into the cabin, and we changed our clothes, after having
been on board half an hour.
Brighouse and Conway proposed to cut a whale-boat out
of the harbour, to prevent the Columbia from being suspected.
"This they accomplished, taking in her a coil of rope, five oars,
.and a large stone by which she was moored.
We observed lanterns passing on the line towards the
■ Sea-gate, and hearing a noise, thought we were missed and
sought for. We immediately embarked in the whale-boat,
with about twenty-five pounds of bread in a bag, and a small
keg of water, supposed to contain three gallons, and one
-^quadrant, given to us by the commanding officer of the Co-
lumbia.
We then left the ship, pulling with two oars only, to get
.ahead of her. The boat was half full of water, and we had
nothing to bale it out. In this condition we rode out to sea,
.and lay off the island at a great distance, in hourly expecta-
tion of the American ship taking us up.
About twelve o'clock the second day, no ship appearing,
by Parr's advice we bore away, steering N. by W., and then
N.N.W. for the island of Ascension, using our handkerchiefs
as substitutes for sails. We met with a gale of wind, which
■<3ontinued two days ; the weather then became very fine, and
we supposed we had run about ten miles an hour. M'Kinnon
kept a reckoning with pen, ink, and paper, with which, toge-
ther with maps and charts, we were supplied by the Columbia.
We continued our course till about the 18th in the mor-
ning, when we saw a number of birds, but no land. About
twelve that day. Parr said he was sure we must be past the
island, accounting it to be eight hundred miles from St. Helena.
Each of us then took off our shirts, and with them we made
a small spritsail, lacing our jackets and trousers at the waist-
band to keep us warm ; and then altering our course to W.
l>y N., thinking to make Eio de Janerio, on the American
<joast. Provisions running very short, we allowed ourselves
SUFFERINGS OF SIX DESERTERS. 107
only one ounce of bread, and two mouthfuls of water for
twenty-four hours.
On the 25th all our provisions were expended. On the
27th M'Quin put a piece of Bamboo in his mouth to chew,
^nd we all followed his example. On the night of that day
it was my turn to steer the boat, and recollecting to have
read of persons in our situation eating their shoes, I cut a
piece off one of mine ; but being soaked with salt water, I
was obliged to spit it out, and take the inside sole, of which
I ate a part, and distributed the remainder to the rest ; but
yfe found no benefit from it.
On the first of July Parr caught a dolphin, with a gaff
that had been left in the boat. We all fell on our knees, and
thanked God for his goodness to us. We tore up the fish,
and hung it to dry ; about four we ate part of it, which agreed
with us pretty well. On this fish we subsisted till the 4th ;
about eleven o'clock, when finding the whole consumed. Parr,
Brighouse, Conway, and myself, proposed to scuttle the boat,
and let her go down, to put us out of our misery ; the other
two objected, observing that God, who had made man, always
found him something to eat.
Ori the 5th, about eleven, M'Kinnon proposed that it
would be better to cast lots for one of us to die, in order to
save the rest, to which we consented. William Parr, being
seized two days before with the spotted fever, was excluded.
He wrote the numbers and put them into a hat. We drew
them out blindfolded, and put them in our pockets. Parr
then asked whose lot it was to die ; none of us knowing what
number we had in our pocket, it was agreed that number five
should die, and the lots being unfolded, M'Kinnon's was the
fatal number.
We had concluded that he on whom the lot fell should
bleed himself to death, for which purpose we had provided
ourselves with sharpened nails, which we got from the boat.
With one of these M'Kinnon cut himself in three places ; in
his foot, hand, and wrist ; and praying to God to forgive his
sins, he died in about a quarter of an hour.
Before he was quite cold, Brighouse, with one of the nails,
cut a piece of flesh off his thigh, and hung it up, leaving his
body in the boat. About three hours afterwards we all ate
of it, but only in a very small quantity. We dipped the
body every two hours in the sea to preserve it. Parr having
found a piece of slate in the bottom of the boat, he sharpened
108 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
it on the large stone, and with it cut another piece off the
thigh, which lasted us till the 8th ; when it being my watch,
and observing the water, about break of day, to change colour,
I called the rest, thinking that we were near the shore, but
saw no land, it being not quite daylight.
As soon as day appeared, we discovered land right ahead,
and steered towards it. About eight in the morning we were
close to the shore. There being a heavy surf, we endeavoured
to turn the boat's head to it, but, being very weak, we were
unable. Soon afterwards the boat upset. Parr, Conway, and
myself got on shore, but M'Quin and Brighouse were drowned.
We discovered a small hut on the beach, in which were
an Indian and his mother, who spoke Portuguese ; and I un-
derstanding that language, learned that there was a village,
about three miles distant, called Belmont. The Indian went
to the village, with the information that the French had
landed ; and in about two hours the governor of the village,
a clergyman, and several armed men, took Conway and Parr^
tied them by their hands and feet, and slinging them on a
bamboo stick, conveyed them to the village, I being very
weak, remained in the hut some time, but was afterwards
taken.
On our telling them we were English, we were immediately
released, and three hammocks provided, in which we were
taken to the governor's house, who resigned to us his own
bed, and gave us milk and rice to eat ; but as we had taken
no food for a considerable time, we were jaw-locked, and con-
tinued so till the 23rd. During this time our host wrote to
the governor of St. Salvador, who sent a schooner to Porto
Seguro, to take us to St. Salvador. We were conducted on
horseback to Porto Seguro, passing through Santa Crux,
where we remained about ten days. We afterwards embarked ;
and on our arrival at St. Salvador, Parr, on being questioned
by th© governor, told him that our ship had foundered at sea,
and that we had saved ourselves in the boat ; that the ship's
name was the Sally, of Liverpool, that she belonged to his
father, and was last from Cape Corse Castle, on the coast of
Africa, to touch at Ascension for turtle, and then bound for
Jamaica. Parr likewise said that he was the captain.
We remained at St. Salvador about thirteen days, during
which time the inhabitants made up a subscription of £209
each man. We then embarked in the Maria, a Portuguese
ship, for Lisbon ; Parr sls mate, Conway as boatswain's mate,.
CAPTURE OF THE BIRD. 109
and myself, being sicklj, as a passenger. In thirteen days
we arrived at Kio de Janeiro. Parr and Conway sailed for
Lisbon, and I was left in the hospital.
In about three months. Captain Elphinstone, of the Dia-
mond, pressed me into his Majesty's scrrice, giving me the
choice of remaining in that station, or to proceed to the ad-
miral at the Cape. I preferred the latter, and was put, with
seven suspected deserters, on board the Ann, a Botany Bay
ship, in irons, with the convicts. When I arrived at the
Cape, I was put on board the Lancaster, of sixty-four guns.
I never entered, but at length received my discharge ; since
which I engaged in the Duke of Clarence, as a seaman. I
was determined to surrender myself the first opportunity, in
order to relate my sufferings to the men of this garrison, and
to deter others from attempting so mad a scheme."
This is, perhaps, one of the most extraordinary accounts
upon record, and shows, in a forcible manner, the folly of
attempting such enterprises without any corresponding in-
centive.
CAPTURE BY PIRATES
OF
THE BIRD.
Captain Snelgrave commmaded the Bird galley, of London,
in the year 1718, bound to Holland for a cargo, and from
thence to a coast of Africa. He was detained at Helvoetsluys
until the 10th of December, where, with other vessels, he was
driven high and dry on shore in a violent storm, and left em-
bedded in the sand, but received no material damage. Peas-
ants were hired to dig a canal for the ship to the water, and
she was made ready for sea again about the end of January.
The vessel now set sail, but a second gale coming on forced
the captain into Spithead, from whence, on sailing again, the
ship was driven seventy leagues to westward of the Lizard,
and they were forced to lay by under a reefed mainsail for
twenty-four hours. At length the gale subsided, and they
pursued their voyage, with the loss only of their figure-head.
8
110 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
They met with squalls, and were in the end forced to run for
Kinsale in Ireland. In that port they refitted, and then had
a fine run to the river of Sierra Leone. Here the misfortunes
of Captain Snelgrave began ; for the ship fell into the hands
of pirates, who were at anchor in the river, three in number.
They had captured ten English vessels.
It was about eight o'clock in the evening, when a boat was
heard rowing towards the ship. In consequence of the sound
of the oars, the first mate was ordered to send twenty men,
armed, upon deck, to be prepared in case the strange boat
should prove an enemy. The second mate hailed, and was
answered, " The Two Friends, of Barbadoes, Captain Elliott."
They were hailed a second time, and replied, they were from
America ; and this was accompanied with a volley of small
arms. Captain Snelgrave now called upon the mate to fire,
which was not done ; that officer reporting that the crew re-
fused, to the captain's great astonishment. It was afterwards
discovered that the mate had prevented the men from firing,
having himself been in the interest of the pirates.
The boat naturally came alongside the ship unopposed.
The pirates boarded the vessel, and fired several guns into the
steerage, by which a sailor was mortally wounded. The
people now called out for quarter, which was granted. The
chief of the pirates then demanded how Captain Snelgrave
dared order his men to fire upon them. He replied, he had
thought it his duty to defend his ship, if his crew would have
fought. Upon this the pirate presented a pistol at his breast,
which he was just able to parry before it went off, and the
ball passed between his side and arm. The villain then struck
at him with the butt end of the pistol, which knocked him
down upon his knees. Quickly recovering himself, the captain
ran upon deck. There he encountered the boatswain of the
pirates, a desperate character, who cut at him with a broad-
sword, declaring no quarter should be given him, because he
had offered to defend his vessel. Captain Snelgrave evaded
the blow by stooping below the quarter-deck rail, which it cut
into an inch deep, and the sword broke. The fellow then took
a pistol, and was going to beat out the captain's brains, but
was prevented by the remonstrances of his crew. The pirates
then turned upon the crew, whom they cut and maimed in a
terrible manner. The chief pirates next came upou deck, and
ordered the hands of Snelgrave's crew to be lied, telling the
captain his life was safe, if none of his own crew complained
CAPTURE OF THE BIRD. Ill
against him. This the captain did not fear they would do, as
he had given them no reason to do so. The pirates now fired
several volleys of small-arms, as a rejoicing at the capture of
a prize.
The pirate captain ordered them to dress a quantity of the
victuals on board the prize. The heads of the fowls, ducks,
geese, and turkeys, were cut off, and the wing feathers drawn
out, but the ruffians would not wait for plucking them. They
flung them in that state into a great furnace, designed for
cooking the meals of 500 negroes, when the ship had taken in
her cargo. Several Westphalia hams were added, and a large
sow with young emboweled. The ship's cook was then com-
manded to boil them all directly.
Leave was obtained for the surgeon to dress the wounded
men ; and the quarter-master sending to know what was the
hour by Captain Snelgrave's watch, he sent it, saying, it was
a very good watch, gold cased. The pirate held it up by the
chain, and then laying it on the deck, gave it a kick, remark-
ing it was a very good football. On this one of his crew took
it up, saying he would put it in the common chest, to be sold
before the ma^t ; such was the wanton humour of men case-
hardened in every species of vice.
Captain Snelgrave was now taken on board the pirate ship,
where he was now asked about the quality of his ship, and
her rate of sailing. He replied, that she sailed well. They
told him she would make a fine pirate man-of-war.
The captain's situation was by no means an agreeable one,
even under these circumstances, as ferocious men are gener-
ally capricious. He now fared very hard, enduring great
fatigue with patience, and submitting resignedly to the Al-
mighty will.
Soon after the captain was on board the pirate ship, a tall
man, well armed, came up to him, and told him his name was
Jack Griffin, one of his old schoolfellows. Upon Captain
Snelgrave appearing not to recollect him, he mentioned many
pranks of their youth together. He said he was forced into
the pirate service : he had been chief mate of a British vessel.
He declared he was forced to act as master of the pirate.
The crew he described as most atrocious miscreants. Griffin,
who was well armed, promised to watch over the captain's
safety, as the pirates would soon get intoxicated with the
liquors on board their prize.
Griffin now obtained a bowl of punch, and led the way to
112 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the cabin, where a carpet was spread to sit upon, as the pirate
ship was always kept clear for action. They sat down cross-
legged, and Cocklyn, the chief or captain, drank Snelgrave's
health, saying, his crew had spoken well of him. The pirate
then gave the health of James III., meaning the Pretender,
which seemed to indicate that he was one of the worthy ad-
herents of the fallen dynasty. A hammock was slung for
Captain Snelgrave at night, by the intercession of Griffin ;
but the pirates " lay rough," as they styled it, because their
vessels, as already observed, were always cleared for action,
their chief not being allowed a bed, but faring as the rest did.
Having at length got into his hammock, the captain could
not sleep for the oaths and horrible imprecations around him.
Griffin, true to his promise of guarding his old school-fellow
while asleep, kept near the captain's hammock, sword in hand,
to protect him from insults. Towards morning, while the
pirates were carousing on deck, the boatswain came towards
the hammock in a state of intoxication, swearing that he
would slice the captain for ordering the crew to fire, dragged
him from his hammock, and would, no doubt, have executed
his savage threat, if it had not been for Griffin, who, as he
pressed forward to stab him, cut at the fellow with his sword ;
and, after a sharp struggle succeeded in beating him off. At
length the wretches fell asleep, and Snelgrave was no longer
molested. Griffin next day complained of the boatswain'^
conduct, and he was threatened with a whipping. However^
Snelgrave wisely pleaded for him, by saying he was in liquor.
That day ten of Captain Snelgrave's men, and the first
mate, entered with the pirates. To this man Jones, the non-
resistance of the crew of the galley was justly ascribed, he-
having prevented them from taking the arms out of the
chests.
The following morning they ransacked Snelgrave's ship,,
throwing quantities of goods overboard, of which they could
make no use. By the evening, they had in this manner
wasted the cargo to the extent of three or four thousand
pounds in value. They were anxious only for the money and
articles of clothing. Eemonstrance on this waste would have
been dangerous, as the pirates had not forgiven Snelgrave for
desiring his men to fire into their boat.
All this time Captain Snelgrave was in the pirate vessel.
It happened, that there resided at Sierra Leone a Captain
Glynn, who, although he had suffered by pirates, was on good
CAPTURE OF THE BIRD. 113
terms with them, and yet kept his hands free from their guilt.
He was intimate with two other pirate captains in the river,
one of whom, named Davis, kept his crew under strict discip-
line. Glynn and Davis went into the vessel in which Snel-
grave was, and remonstrated on the ill-usage pursued towards
him. In consequence, he was permitted to go on board his
own ship, where the havoc was irreparable. His escrutoires
were broken open, and robbed of their contents. Books,
utterly useless to the pirates, were taken out of the chests
and flung overboard.
The captain had now the chagrin of sitting down in his
own cabin, and seeing all around treated with his liquors, and
other good things from his private stores, which set the pirates
in excellent humour. A quarrel, however, arose, and the
pirates were going on board their own ships to prepare for
action with each other. They were with difficulty prevented
by the interposition of their captive.
Captain Snelgrave had a second time a narrow escape from
the boatswain, who flashed a pistol at him, which luckily
missed fire; but the pirate carpenter taking the prisoner's
part, beat the fellow so severely as almost to kill him. The
boatswain having been sent on board his own ship. Captain
Snelgrave slept undisturbed. The next day he had the mor-
tification to see the waste of property resumed. Nothing
could more strongly picture the conduct of the lawless ban-
ditti, than what was exhibited at this time. Half hogsheads
of claret and brandy were hoisted on deck, the heads knocked
in, and cans and bowls dipped into them, until the depredators
were satisfied; and then they threw the contents at each
other by bucketsful. When what was on deck was thus
emptied, they hoisted up more ; and in the evening washed
the deck with what remained in the casks. They demolished
the bottled liquors by striking off the necks with their cut-
lasses. In a short time the waste was so great, that only a
little French brandy remained of all the ship's stock. The
stores of sugar, butter, and cheese, were also soon gone in this
scene of mad riot. Some of them stumbling over a bundle of
the captain's necessaries, which thechief pirate hadallowed him
to secure, it was flung overboard, " because it lay in the way."
One of the pirates observing a packet in which was a black
suit of clothes belonging to the captain, would see what was
in it, and took up the things, together with a good hat and
wig which were with them. Captain Snelgrave in vain told
114 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
him he was allowed to have them. The fellow struck him
with the flat of his sword, and cautioned him never to dispute
a pirate's will, signifying, he might take his life for it. The
pirate then put on the clothes, and in half-an-hour after-
wards took them off and threw them overboard, his comrades
having drenched him with buckets of claret. This man,
named Kennedy, ended his career at Execution Dock.
Soon after Captain Snelgrave obtained leave to go on shore,
to the house of Captain Glynn, where the three pirate captains
received him with civility, and promised they would do all
in their power to obtain his necessaries for him. He was so
much in want, that he was obliged to borrow a shirt from
Captain Glynn, having been three days without a change in
that burning climate. On the following day the captains
went on board with their prisoner, and one of them persuaded
Cocklyn to address the pirate crew in his behalf. The result
was, that they agreed to give Captain Snelgrave a ship which
they intended to quit, together with what remained of his
cargo; and they proposed also to add a large quantity of
goods from other prizes, which were of no use to them. This
was a delicate thiug to accept, as the goods were the property
of others ; and, by the interposition of Davis, the pirate cap-
tain, Snelgrave was allowed to decline the offer. One of the
pirate vessels, which they intended to abandon, was then
placed alongside Captain Snelgrave's ship: a considerable
portion of the cargo was saved, and hoisted into it by some
of his own crew; but his private adventure, consisting of
cloths, liquors, and fine goods, were destroyed. Pieces of fine
holland had been opened upon the deck, on which the pirates
had lain down half drunk. Buckets of claret thrown over
them in this state stained the linen, and then it was flung
into the sea.
Captain Snelgrave now got leave to sleep in a ship com-
manded by Captain Elliot of Barbadoes, and had leave to go
on shore when he pleased. On board that ship he slept four
nights, until the vessel given him was laded. During this
period, the pirate who had fired at him when his ship was
first boarded, was attacked with fever, and desired to see him
alone, and implored forgiveness. Some of his comrades then
came in to ask him how he did, and he ordered his boy to
give Captain Snelgrave the key of his necessaries, and let him
take what he chose ; which the captain did not hesitate to
do, as he stood so much in need of them.
CAPTURE OF THE BIRD. 115
This man fell into a delirium the same night, and died be-
fore the morning, cursing God his Maker in such a frightful
manner, that it affected several of the pirates who were yet
novices in that mode of life; and they came privately, in
consequence, to obtain Captain Snelgrave's advice how they
should get out of their evil course. A proclamation of pardon
had been issued to all pirates who surrendered before the 1st
of July, 1719, and the captain advised them to embrace the
pardon so tendered.
Three laced coats among the plunder having given origin
to a dispute, during which Captain Snelgrave was threatened
by one of the pirates named Williams, that he should be cut
to pieces, a singular instance of vanity was exhibited, in his
following the advice of Captain Elliot, and addressing the
fellow as " captain," a thing so gratifying to the scoundrel,
that the flattery made him a friend, and he sent Captain
Snelgrave a keg of wine.
A French ship having come into the river, was captured
and run on shore. In the meantime, Captain Snelgrave
landed his cargo from the ship into which it had been shifted ;
and the pirates made him dine with them, to commemorate
their fitting out his own vessel as a freebooter, on which they
broke their glasses and fired the guns. They called her the
Windham Galley. She had two flush decks. The scuttle of
the powder-room happened to be open, when some cartridges
near the aftermost guns took fire. The danger was imminent,
for in a room under there was stowed twenty thousand pounds
weight of gunpowder.
The pirates at this time burned the Eising Sun, the ship
they quitted to go on board the Bird galley. Snelgrave now
requested Captain Davis to obtain for him his liberty. Davis
accordingly interfered, and eventually succeeded.
Captain Davis insisting on Snelgrave going to sup with him
it would have been unwise not to obey. In the midst of
supper, about eight in the evening, a cry of fire was heard on
board. The crew were the greater part of them drunk, and
there were more than fifty prisoners on board at the time.
Great confusion prevailed, and the more sober part of the
people on board only thought of getting off in the boats.
The guns were fired to oblige them to return, for the flames
increased rapidly. There were thirty thousand pounds weight
of gunpowder now below, and the fire was making a-head in
the hold. One fellow, who was very active amid the univer-
?
116 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
sal confusion, put his head up the hatchway, and called for
blankets and water, which, he declared, if not brought directly,
the ship must blow up. Captain Snelgrave caught up all the
blankets and rugs which he could find, and this bold fellow
placed them against the bulk-head of the powder-room.
Water was poured on them from buckets to prevent the fire
from catching. The night was dark, the crew drunk, and no
hope of mastering the fire seemed to remain ; to spring into
the water was certain death, from the sharks hovering around
the vessel. Captain Snelgrave therefore took a quarter-deck
grating, and lowered it with a rope, hoping to get away upon
that, as several persons had got into the boats again, and
gone off with them. While the captain was thus meditating
his escape he heard a shout from the main-deck, " For a brave
blast to go to hell with.'' On which, some of the newly en-
tered pirates near him believing the ship must blow up in a
few minutes, lamented their entering on that vile course of
life, with bitter exclamations against the old offenders on the
main-deck. Fifty of the crew got on the bowsprit and sprit-
sail yard, in the vain hope that they might escape destruction
there. All was panic and confusion. A man named Taylor,
and fifteen more, laboured to subdue the flames in the hold
until they succeeded ; and never flinched, though they were
all terribly burned. A negro, it appeared, had gone to draw
rum with a candle, and set the spirits on fire, together with
those in a second cask close by; fortunately, twenty other
casks of rum near, and as many of tar and pitch, escaped, or
the vessel could not have been saved. The services of Captain
Snelgrave gained him the good- will of the pirates. They sent
him word when the necessaries were to be sold before the
mast, and many of them bought things which had belonged
to him and returned them. He speedily got to the shore
with his purchases, and was advised now to escape into the
woods until the pirates sailed, which he did not fail to do.
When they had left Sierra Leone, he returned to Captain
Glynn's, freighted a vessel with all the plundered goods which
he could get back, and set sail for Bristol, with six masters
of ships whose vessels had been destroyed, and no less than
sixty passengers, where he arrived on August 1, 1719.
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 117
LOSS OF THE AMERICAN SHIP.
HERCULES,
ON THE
COAST OF CAFFRARIA.
It was the intention of Captain Stout to take in a private
freight for Hamburgh ; but not having found one to answer
his expectations, he chartered his ship to the English East
India Company, who were then busily employed in shipping
rice for England ; and news being received in India that the
failure of the harvest in Great Britain was likely to produce
a famine, the most active exertions were made in India to
supply the markets at home with rice, and he received on
board upwards of nine thousand bags, with orders to proceed
to London with every possible despatch. The crew, having
been engaged in India, consisted of Americans, Dutch, Portu-
guese, Danes, Swedes, but chiefly Lascars, amounting in the
whole to about sixty-four persons ; and the necessary arrange-
ments having been completed, the Hercules sailed from Sagar
Eoads on March 17th, 1796.
Nothing of moment occurred during the voyage till the 1st
•of June, when they reached the latitude of 35° S., and 28° 40'
E. longitude. It then began to blow a gale from the west-
ward, which obliged them to lay- to under their mizen staysail
for about six days, during which time the gale continued to
increase progressively until the 7th, when the contentions
of the winds and sea presented a scene of horror of which
maritime history has few examples. Captain Stout observes
that although bred to the sea from his earliest life, all he had
ever seen, or heard, or read of, could give him no adequate
idea of the sublime effects produced by the raging violence
of the elements, and which, at that tremendous hour, seemed
to threaten even Nature herself with dissolution ; the ship
at one instant raised on mountains of water, was in the next
precipitated into an abyss, where she only waited till the
coming sea raised her again into the clouds. The perpetual
war echoing through the void produced such an awful sensa-
tion in the minds of even the most experienced seamen, that
many of them were stupified with fear ; while those less ac-
118 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
customed to the dangers of the sea, by their shriekings and
exclamations, only added to the scene of misery.
The terrors of the day could only be surpassed by those of
the night, when it is impossible for man to describe or imagi-
nation to conceive a scene of more transcendant and compli-
cated horror ; and as if to fill up the measure of their calami-
ties, a sudden shift of wind, about midnight, threw the vessel
into the trough of the sea — it struck her aft, tore away the-
rudder, started the stern-post, and shattered the whole of her
stern frame. The pumps were immediately sounded, and ia
a few minutes there was four feet of water in the hold; a
gang was ordered to the pumps, and the remainder were em-
ployed in getting rice out of the run of the ship, and throwing
it overboard, to enable them, if possible, to get at the leak.
After three or four hundred bags had been thrown into the
sea, the principal leak was discovered, through which the
water was pouring with astonishing rapidity. In order, there-
fore, to decrease the influx of water as much as possible^
sheets, jackets, shirts, and bales of muslm, with anything of
the like description they could lay their hands on, were hastily
thrust into the aperture ; and had not these exertions been
attended with some success, the ship must certainly have gone
down, although the pumps discharged upwards of fifty tuns
of water an hour. As the day advanced the weather began
to moderate, at which time they were about two hundred
miles from the eastern coast of Africa. Every exertion was
made to keep the ship afloat, the men working incessantly at
the pumps.
On the 9th, although the violence of the tempest was con-
siderably abated, yet the swell of the sea was tremendous.
The long-boat was ordered out ; but the captain having reason
to suspect that some of the crew would endeavour to make
off with her, directed the second-mate and three seamen to
take possession of her, providing them with arms, and giving
them express orders to shoot the first man who attempted to
board her without his permission ; with instructions also to
keep astern, and stick by the ship until they came to an
anchor.
The men having taken their stations in the boat, a raft waa
made of all the large spars, which, when lashed together,
measured about thirty-five feet in length, and fifteen feet in
breadth. The captain, apprehending that the ship would not
be able to make the land, and being convinced that in case of
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 119
her going down all hands could not be received on board o'
the long-boat, determined to spare no means that presented
even a chance of saving the whole of their lives.
When the second-mate was preparing to take the command
of the long-boat, the carpenter addressed the captain in a re-
spectful manner, and earnestly entreated him to leave the
ship ; on being reprimanded for not attending to the pumps^
he burst into tears, and declared that the whole of the stern-
frame was so shook and loosened, that he expected every hour
she would go down. The miserable appearance and affecting
tone of voice of this man considerably increased the terrors
of the crew ; but the captain resolutely declared it to be his
unalterable determination to perform his duty, and remain in
the ship, until his own observations convinced him that all
hopes of saving her were at an end. The carpenter repeated
his solicitations, but he was ordered to his post, and assured
that unless he made every exertion to encourage the crew in
their duty at the pumps, he should be thrown into the sea.
He retired, and exerted himself afterwards with a manly per-
severance.
No sooner was the carpenter gone, than the captain was
addressed on the same subject by many of the sailors, some
of whom were so clamorous that he was very nearly going to
extremes with them : this shows the caution which should be
exercised by those who are entrusted with the command, in
listening to the opinions of their people in time of danger,,
who are generally for quitting the ship, and taking to boats,
and rafts constructed of masts, yards, spars, or whatever tim-
bers they can lash together ; and sentiments and prejudices
on these occasions differing so widely, it is not to be expected
that there should be anything but confusion and misfortune,
A crew, such as composed that of the Hercules, consisting
of people of various nations, require from their commander a
peculiar attention. It may happen, that by humouring their
religious prejudices at a particular moment, an essential ser-
vice may be obtained, which the following anecdote will tend
to illustrate.
At a time when the tempest raged with extreme violence,
and most of the crew were below labouring at the pumps, the
captain observed one of the Lascars coming up the gangway
with a handkerchief in his hand, who, on being questioned as
to what he was about, answered, in a tone of voice that dis-
covered a perfect confidence in the measure he proposed, that
120 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
he was going to make an offering to his god. " This hand-
herchief ," said he, " contains a quantity of rice, and all the
rupees I am worth : suffer me to lash it to the mizen-top, and
rely upon it, sir, we shall all be saved. " The captain was
-about to order him back to the pumps ; but recollecting that
by so doing he might throw both him and his countrymen
into despondency, he acquiesced. The Lascar thanked him,
and he soon beheld this child of prejudice mount the totter-
ing ladder and fearlessly ascend to the dizzy top, without ex-
hibiting any apprehension. He lashed the handkerchief to
the mizzen top-mast head, regardless of all danger, and de-
scended to the deck in safety. Confident now that his god
was their friend, he communicated the joyful tidings, that he
had done his duty to his companions below. All the Lascars
seemed transported with joy, embraced their virtuous com-
panion, and laboured at the pumps with an alacrity and per-
severance as if they had encountered neither apprehension
nor fatigue. To their unceasing exertions on this occasion,
may be attributed, in a great measure, the preservation of the
people.
The shift of wind which threw the ship into the trough of
the sea, was fortunately but of short duration, not continuing
above a quarter of an hour; had it lasted many minutes
longer, she must have been torn to pieces. The wind, how-
ever, came round to its former quarter, and gradually moder-
ated.
After the long boat had been given over to the care of the
second mate, and the raft completed, the captain held a con-
sultation with his officers, who were all decidedly of opinion
that it was impossible to save the ship ; and that the only
chance of preserving their lives, was to make for the land,
and run her on shore ; which was no sooner communicated
to the people, than they seemed to work with renovated spi-
rits ; and this disposition was kept up by assuring them, that
they would soon be in sight of land, and that by constantly
keeping the pumps going, the ship would be kept afloat until
ihey reached the shore.
The ship for some time had been unmanageable, frequently
standing with her head from the land, and which all their
efforts could not prevent ; the captain got a rudder made out
of the topmast, and fixed in the place of one they had lost,
but it proved of little use without the help of the long-boat,
which he ordered therefore to be hauled athwart her stern ;
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 121
and this, with great difi&culty, served to get her head towards-
the shore, the wind being variable from the eastward. A
cable could have been got out, that might have answered
tolerably well to steer the ship, but they could not spare th&
crew from the pumps to assist in rousing-in of the tackle and
guise, as occasion might require.
On the evening of the 15th they discovered land, at about
six leagues distance ; and all on board expressed their joy in
loud shouts and acclamations, the ship still nearing the shore,
with five feet of water in her hold.
On the morning of the 16 th, being about two miles from
the land, and the wind westward, the captain ordered the
anchor to be let go, that a last effort might be made to stop
the leaks, and, if possible, save the ship ; but her stern was so
shattered, that, after a consultation, it was resolved to run the
ship on shore, as they were threatened by another gale, and
no time was to be lost. The captain ordered his second mate
to come on board, and delivered into his custody the ship's
register, and all papers of consequence ; and after providing
him and his three men with water and provisions, ordered
him into the boat again, with instructions to keep in the offing
and that after they had run the ship on shore, he might seek
for some inlet to run in with safety ; they also desired him ta
look out for signals, which might be thrown out from the shore
to direct his course. The mate promised faithfully to obey
his instructions, and then returned to the boat.
They were now on the coast of Caffraria, within a few
leagues where the river Infanta discharges itself into the sea.
A dreadful crisis approached, and they resolved to meet it
with becoming fortitude ; the captain, therefore, gave direc-
tions to set the headsail, to heave the spring well taut, in order
to get her head well towards the shore, and then to cut the
cable and the spring, which was performed with the greatest
promptitude ! and after running within about half a mile from
the shore, she struck on a cluster of rocks. The swell at this
moment was tremendous ; and, from the ship thumping sa
violently, it was almost impossible for the men to hold on.
In this situation she remained about three or four minutes,
when a sea took her over the rocks, and carried her about a
cable's length nearer the shore, when she again struck, and
kept heaving in with a tremendous surf, that every moment
made a breach over her.
The raft having given way from her lashings, and the spars-
122 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
carried to a considerable distance, they lost all hope from that
quarter, till one of the crew, a black, plunged into the waves,
and, by exertions which appeared more than human, gained
and seated himself on the raft ; but he had scarcely been ten
minutes in that situation, when the raft was turned over, and
the man completely enveloped in the sea. In a few minutes,
however, they perceived him in his former situation again.
He endured a similar misfortune, and a third succeeded ; but
still the courageous black buffetted the waves, and gained the
raft, until, at length, after suffering two hours of fatigue, which
it was believed no human being could possibly endure, he
drifted on land, where great numbers of the natives, who had
kindled several fires, appeared mostly clothed in skins, armed
with spears, and accompanied by a number of dogs. Imme-
-diately on his landing, he was seized by a party of them, and
conducted behind some sand-hills, which hid him from their
view.
Twelve of the crew now launched themselves on diffierent
■spars, and whatever pieces of timber they could find, and
braving all difficulties, gained the shore ; but no sooner had
they landed, than the natives seized them, and conducted them
also behind the sand-hills ; and as it was impossible for those
on board to discover what they were about, and observing
several parties of natives unaccompanied by any of those who
had landed, they naturally conceived that they had been
massacred, and that a similar fate awaited the whole of them.
Those who remained on board were obliged to shelter them-
selves in the forecastle, as there was no other part where they
<jould remain in a place of security, the sea making completely
over her.
During the whole of the night there was nothing but sus-
pense and apprehension : some were of opinion that it would
be more advisable patiently to resign themselves to a watery
element, to endure a few struggles, and then life to be no more,
rather than to be tortured by the savages, or perhaps thrown
into the fires that they had seen on shore ; while others enter-
tained different sentiments, and were for making the shore in
.as compact a body as possible. " We shall then," said they,
" attack the savages with stones, or whatever else we can find."
But this was overruled as impracticable, as there was no
possibility of six men keeping together; and, if by some
miracle they could get on shore without being divided, the
natives could, with their spears, destroy them in a moment.
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 123
In such consultations was spent the whole of this miserable
night ; and as the next sun was to light them to their fate,
they dreaded his approach to the horizon.
As soon as morning appeared they looked towards the shore,
but not an individual was to be seen. Distraction was visible
in every countenance, and what death to choose the principal
consideration ; but who can describe the delirium of extasy
which succeeded, when they observed the people who had
landed the day before, making towards the shore, and beckon-
ing them to land.
In a few minutes every spar and piece of timber that could
be procured was afloat, some occupied by two people, and
others by more, according to the size. The captain speedily
stripped off his shirt, put on a short jacket, and wrapped round
his waist a shawl, in the corner of which he put a gold watch.
He then seized a spar, and launched into the sea, where for
nearly three-quarters of an hour he preserved his hold, and
drifted towards the shore, sometimes cast so near as to touch
the rocks with his feet, and then hurried away to a consider-
able distance ; again he was precipitated forwards, and in a
moment afterwards carried off by the returning sea. At
length a sudden jerk, occasioned by the swell, strained both
his arms, and compelled him to quit the spar, while a wave
that was rolling rapidly towards the shore, bore him along,
and in a few moments left him senseless on the sands, from
whence he was rescued by the crew, who conveyed him to a
place of security.
The first subject of his inquiry was, naturally, the fate of
his men, when he had the heartfelt pleasure of beholding all
of them around him excepting those in the long-boat, and one
man who perished. He then addressed himself to the natives,
among whom there was fortunately a Hottentot present, who
had lived with the Dutch farmers, and could speak their
language, and the third mate being a Dutchman, these two
served as interpreters.
The spot where the Hercules was wrecked was at no great
distance from the spot where the Grosvenor was lost in 1792,
and the captain consequently inquired whether any of the
natives recollected such a catastrophe, to which most answered
in the affirmative ; and ascending one of the sand-hills, pointed
to the spot. After obtaining every possible information on
this melancholy subject, they employed themselves during the
remainder of the day in assisting the natives to save whatever
124 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
came on shore. The natives sought with persevering diligence
for iron, burning it out of the wood. At night they retired,
and the crew taking shelter under a sand-hill, appointed part
of their numbers to watch while the others tried to repose
round a fire. To sleep, however, was impossible ; their bodies-
were on one side heated by the fire, while on the other they
were so severely chilled by the intense cold, that the pain waa
almost insupportable.
Day at length appeared, and the Cafifres returned in greater
numbers. After having partaken of a repast from a bullock,
which the Caffre chief had brought with him, and which they
devoured in lumps singed by the fire, part of the crew pro-
ceeded to the shore where they saw the long-boat at a con-
siderable distance. The ship was dividing very fast, and the
gale increasing, many things were cast on shore which the
Caffres were indefatigable in procuring. In the general search
on the shore, one of the natives picked up the ship's compass,,
and not knowing what it was, though pleased with its forma-
tion, he took it to the chief, who instantly took it to pieces,
and after contemplating the various parts, took the copper in,
which it hung and suspended it from his neck, with which he
seemed to be highly gratified.
Towards evening, the captain addressed the chief on the
subject of their departure, and requested a guide to conduct
them through the deserts to the first Christian settlement.
The Caffre paused for a moment, and then very coolly replied,.
" When I consider that matter, you shall be made acquainted
with my determination." This made them rather uneasy as
to their probable fate, which was increased by seeing them
consulting together in parties, and using gestures that might
be unfavourably interpreted. Towards the night, the crew
were again left to rest under the sand-hills, as before, and
where they were again tortured by the cold wind and clouds
of sand.
On the first appearance of the sun, they mounted the most
elevated of the sand-hills to look out for the long boat, but
they could not discover her in any direction. Shortly after-
wards they perceived the Cafi'res approaching, most of them
with assaghays in their hands, while the others were furnished
with clubs. Many of them were decorated with ostrich
feathers, and the chief wore a leopard skin fastened with a
pair of knee-buckles, which the captain had given him the day
before. They saluted the crew in the most friendly manner^
o
u
X
C/5
o
(D
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 125
and were accompanied by them to the beach ; where the wind
having increased during the night, had thrown several parts
of the ship on shore. Not a word passed during the day about
the departure of the crew, and the natives retired as usual
upon the approach of night. The crew were so fatigued by
all being employed to gather wood, that after procuring a
sufficient quantity they stretched themselves on the ground,
and, in spite of the wind, sand, and cold, slept soundly till
the morning.
On the next appearance of day they again looked out for
the long-boat, but she was nowhere to be seen, nor did they
ever hear of her again.
The Caffres did not make their appearance this morning
until two hours after sunrise. Captain Stout then informed
the chief that he intended to take his departure on the follow-
ing day, and begged that a guide might be appointed for them.
" I shall furnish you with two,*' replied the chief ; which was
delivered with so much frankness that completely removed
all their former suspicions. It was also agreed, very much to
their satisfaction, that the Hottentot who had served as an
interpreter, should accompany them through the desert.
After making the necessary preparations for their journey,
by cutting up another bullock which the chief had presented
to them, and which occupied a whole day in dressing, for
provision when travelling, they passed another night in less
apprehension than before.
On the following morning, the 23rd of June, they took their
departure, with every expression of regret from the hospitable
chief who had so far materially assisted them. The guides
were intelligent men, and gave them to understand that they
must on no account travel early, as the wild beasts rose with
the sun, and then ranged the deserts in quest of their prey ;
notwithstanding, with cautious advice, the people were so
desirous of getting on, that they grew uneasy. The guides,
however, could not be induced to quit the fires until about
nine o'clock, at which time they all proceeded in good spirits.
Not more than three or four of the party were at this time
provided with shoes. They had many hundred miles to travel
over unknown countries, to ascend mountains of stupendous
elevation, penetrate woods, traverse deserts, ford rivers ; and
yet they were to combat all these difficulties barefooted, not
having saved above four pairs of shoes, and those in sad con-
dition,
9
126 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
After travelling for two or three days through a delightful
country, from which they could only occasionally obtain fresh
water, and escaping the numerous wild beasts which infest
the country at night, by the large fires which they kept up,
they arrived suddenly at the abode of a horde of Caffres that
were distinguished by their own countrymen as a bad tribe.
Having proceeded but a very short way, they were stopped
by twelve Caffre men, clothed with leopard skins, and armed
with spears. Their guides, alarmed at the appearance of these
savages, immediately ran to the bed of the river, which was
dry, and having reached the opposite shore, ascended an ad-
joining mountain with the greatest precipitation. The savages
brandished their spears, and appeared by their gestures to
menace the destruction of the crew, who refusing to part with
any of their supply of provisions, instantly proceeded to the
river, and crossed it in pursuit of their guides, whom they
found standing on the summit of the mountain.
One of the crew had a knife which was slung over his
shoulder. A Caffre perceiving this, made a snatch at the
handle, but the owner resisting it, he lost his hold. This so
enraged the savage, that he lifted his assaghay with the inten-
tion of destroying the object of his resentment. At the
moment he stood in this attitude a more finished picture of
horror could scarcely be conceived. The savage wore a lea-
pard's skin ; his black countenance was bedaubed with red
ochre ; his eyes glittering with rage, appeared as if starting
from their sockets ; his mouth expanded, and his teeth gnash-
ing and grinning with all the fury of a demon. He was, how-
ever, diverted from his purpose, and dropped the fearful
weapon he had raised with so bloody an intent.
When they came up, the guides expressed the utmost satis-
faction at their escape, and gave them a terrible description
of the people they had just left ; assuring them that had not
the remainder of the horde been out hunting at the time, not
a man of them would have survived.
They were so long occupied in observing the beauties of
the surrounding country from the top of the mountain, that
it was late before they descended. They immediately set to
work to cut wood, not only for fuel, but to form a fence or
barricade against the wild animals during the night. It was
fortunate they did so, as, from the number of elephants pass-
ing to and fro almost every moment, they would in all pro-
bability have been trampled to death by these monstrous
LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 127
animals ; from which, however, they had the good fortune to
escape.
During the next day they travelled about thirty-five miles,
and passed the night at the skirt of a small forest which pro-
vided them with fuel and a temporary defence as before. In
the morning they again set out, but some of them were so
worn out with fatigue, that it was thought advisable for those
who could travel to get forward and provide a place where
wood and water might be had. The captain was of this party ;
and that all those who remained behind might find their way,
he ordered the Caffre guides to set fire to the long grass, to
serve during the night as a point of direction. He was also
in expectation of their coming up before the morning, but
was sadly disappointed. They remained stationary until the
morning, and then went on.
Not one of the people that had been left behind appeared
in the morning ; but the guides were of opinion that they
would reach a Christian settlement in the course of the day,
and thereby be enabled to send assistance to their companions
in the desert. They were, however, obliged to pass the night
in a farm-house that had been deserted for some time, in
hourly excpectation of an attack from the Boschmen ; but
their own misfortunes were forgotten, and their only considera-
tion during the night, was for their unhappy messmates whom
they never expected to see again.
About an hour after sunrise they departed to pursue their
journey, their number so reduced by excessive fatigue, that
out of sixty that left the beach where they were wrecked,
thirty-six had been left behind. They travelled without a
single halt for three hours, when, to their almost inconceivable
joy, they saw a Hottentot attending a flock of sheep.
Upon their approaching him he at first seemed alarmed ;
but perceiving they were mostly whites and unarmed, he
stopped until they came up, and upon the request of Captain
Stout, directed them to the proprietor of the nearest settle-
ment, who, he said, was a good man, and lived within three
hours' distance. Their spirits were revived and their strength
renewed by this pleasing intelligence, and they set off in high
glee till at length they arrived at the house of Jan du Pliesies.
After the alarm occasioned by their first appearance had
subsided, the captain told the story of their melancholy dis-
aster, and implored assistance for the relief of the unhappy
people who were left behind ; to which appeal no time waa
128 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
lost in responding. Du Plesies' two sons immediately went
off in a waggon drawn by eight oxen, with orders to travel all
night ; while their liberal host had a sheep killed for their en-
tertainment.
Before they had finished their breakfast, on the following
morning, their humane benefactor despatched messengers to
his neighbours, desiring their assistance to convey the crew
to the Cape. Several of them behaved with the greatest
liberality, stating, that such as were desirous of remaining in
the country until they had perfectly recovered, should be
accommodated at their houses, and that they would convey
them to the Cape on the first opportunity. Their conversation
was interrupted by a Hottentot servant running into the
house, declaring the waggon was in sight. All ran to meet it,
and the captain, had the heartfelt consolation of seeing twenty-
three of of his unfortunate people, chiefly Lascars, laying down
in the vehicle. Du Pliesies' two sons stated that they found
them near a wood, perfectly resigned to their fate, having
given up all hopes of relief. The preceding day thirteen of
t-heir companions had separated from them, but where they
had strayed to they had not the slightest idea. Those poor
fellows, after enduring for a long time the most unexampled
miseries, all arrived safely at the Cape.
They took their departure from the hospitable mansion of
the benevolent Du Pliesies on the morning of the 2nd of
July, in a large waggon with two sets of oxen of eight each^
and two or three Hottentot servants as drivers. After jour-
neying about thirty-five miles, they reached the second farm
in perfect security. The owner, whose name was Cornelius
Engelbrocks, they found to be also a beneficent character,
who entertained them during the night, and in the morning
generously presented them with nine sheep, regretting that
he could not let them have a morsel of bread, as it was a
luxury he seldom or never enjoyed.
The four or five succeeding days they travelled from house
to house, at all of which they were received with the same
disinterested hospitality ; and had such plenty of venison at
the houses where they stopped, that in six days their stock
of nine sheep was only diminished to three.
From the 8th to the 17th of June their journey was not
interrupted by any disagreeable occurrence ; on the last men-
tioned day they separated, and the captain took with him hi»
chief and third mates, together with one or two more who
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 129
were solicitous to accompany him. The country, as they ad-
vanced, increased in population, and the farm-houses were in
several places not more than two hours' distance from each
other.
On the 22nd they arrived at Zwellingdam, and proceeded
to the house of the landorse, or chief man of the place ; his
settlement consisted of about sixteen or eighteen houses, sur-
rounded by a delightful country, and producing grain, vege-
tables, and fruits of almost every description. This gentle-
man gave them a very hospitable reception, and the next
morning furnished the captain with a horse and a guide to
conduct them to his brother-in-law at the Cape ; he also gave
them a very kind letter to his friend. General Craig, com-
mander-in-chief, requesting he would do them every kindness
in his power, which he would acknowledge as an obligation
conferred upon himself.
They arrived at the settlement of Johannas Brinch, at
Stallen Bush, on the fourth day, after travelling a highly-
cultivated country. On their arrival, the captain waited on
Mr. Brinch, whose reception, he says, can never be mentioned
but in terms of the most fervent gratitude and esteem.
Here they remained two days under the roof of this liberal
and benevolent gentleman. On the following morning he
provided them with a horse and a guide. Their journey was
but short, as they arrived the same evening at the Cape in
tolerable health and spirits, though very much weakened in
constitution.
DESTRUCTION BY FIRE OF
THE PRINCE,
OFF THE COAST OF BRAZIL.
On February 19th, 1752, the Prince, a French East Indiaman,
commanded by Captain M. Morin, sailed from Port L'Orient,
on an outward bound voyage ; but soon afterwards a sudden
shift of wind drove her on a sand bank, where she was ex-
posed to imminent danger, and the ship heeled so much, that
130 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the mouths of the guns lay in the sea. By lightening the
ship, however, accompanied with continued and laborious
exertions, she floated with the rise of the tide, and being again
carried into port was completely unladen, and underwent a
thorough repair.
On the 10th of June they resumed the voyage with a
favourable wind, and which for several weeks seemed to pro-
mise every success that could be desired.
Nothing particular occurred during the voyage till the 26tb
of July, when they were in 8' 30" south lat., and 5° west lon-
gitude from Paris. At this time, M. de la Fond, one of the
lieutenants of the ship, at the moment of taking an observa-
tion, was informed by a seaman, that smoke was issuing from
the main hatchway. The first lieutenant, who had the keys
of the hold, immediately ordered all the hatchways to be
opened, in order to ascertain the truth.
The dreadful fact was too soon apparent to every one on
deck, and while the captain hastened from the great cabin
where he sat at dinner, Lieutenant de la Fond ordered some
sails to be dipped into the sea, and the hatches to be covered
with them, in order, if possible, to prevent the access of air,
and thus to stifle the fire. He had also intended, as a more
effectual remedy, to let in the water between the decks to the
depth of about twelve inches; but clouds of smoke issued
from the crevices of the hatchways, and the flames were gain-
ing on them more and more by degrees.
In the meantime, the captain ordered sixty or eighty of the
soldiers under arms to maintain the necessary discipline, and
restrain any disorder or confusion which might probably en-
sue from such a disastrous calamity ; and in this he was ably
supported by their excellent commander, M. de la Fouche,
who exhibited uncommon fortitude and great presence of
mind on the occasion.
All hands were now busily employed in procuring water ;
all the buckets were filled, the pumps plied, and pipes intro-
duced from them to the hold ; but in spite of all their efforts
incessantly applied, the rapid progress of the devouring ele-
ment completely baffled all their exertions to subdue it, and
augmented the general consternation.
As the yawl was then lying in the way of the people, so as
to retard their exertions, it was hoisted out by the order of
the captain ; and the boatswain, accompanied by three of the
seamen, took possession of it. As they were in want of oars,
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 131
these were quickly supplied by three men, who leaped over-
board with them ; and although they were desired by those
in the ship to return, they only answered, that they wanted
a rudder, and desired a rope to be thrown out to them. The
progress of the flames, however, soon showing them their
only alternative for safety, they withdrew from the burning
ship, and she, from the effect of a breeze springing up, passed
by-
The utmost activity still prevailed on board the vessel, and
the courage and resolution of the people seemed to be aug-
mented by the increased difficulty of escape. The master
boldly went down into the hold, where the intense heat com-
pelled him to return immediately, and had not a large quan-
tity of water been dashed over him, he must have been very
severely scorched. Immediately after this, the flames burst
with great violence from the main hatchway.
The danger became now so imminent, that the captain
ordered the boats to be hoisted out, while dread and conster-
nation enfeebled and appalled the most intrepid. The
long-boat had been secured at a certain height, and was
about to be put over the ship's side, when, unfortunately, the
lire ran up the mainmast and caught the tackle, the con-
sequence of which was, that the boat fell down on the guns
bottom upwards, and it was in vain to think of getting her
righted.
It now became too evident that the calamity was beyond
the reach of human power to remedy it. Consternation was
universally disseminated among the people ; nothing but sighs
and groans, and shrieks, that rend the air, resounded through-
out the vessel ; and even the animals that were on board, as
if sensible of the impending danger, uttered the most dread-
ful cries. The certainty of perishing by either fire or water
was anticipated by every human being, and each raised his
hands and heart towards an Almighty Providence, in humble,
but fervent prayer for mercy.
The chaplin, who was then on the quarter-deck, gave the
people general absolution from their sins ; and then repaired
to the quarter-gallery to extend it yet further to those miser-
able wretches, who, in vain hopes of safety, had already com-
mitted themselves to the waves. What a horrible spectacle
now presented itself ! The only object was self-preservation ;
each was occupied in throwing overboard whatever promised
the most slender chance of escape ; yards, spars, hencoops, and
132 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
everything that was within reach was hastily seized in the
agony of despair, and thus hopelessly employed.
The most dreadful confusion now prevailed. Some wildly
leaped into the sea, in anticipation of that death which was
about to overwhelm them ; others, more successful, swam to
fragments of the wreck ; while the shrouds, yards, and ropes,
along the side of the vessel, were covered with the crew,
crowding upon them, and hanging there as if hesitating which
alternative of destruction to choose, equally imminent, and
equally terrible.
Among the numerous instances of individual distress and
mental and bodily anguish, a father was seen to snatch his
son from the flames ; and, after folding him to his breast, to
throw him into the sea, where he himself speedily followed,
and they perished in each other's embrace.
In the meantime, Lieutenant de La Fond ordered the helm
to be shifted, upon which the ship heeled to larboard, and
thereby afforded a temporary preservation, while the flames
raged along the starboard side from stem to stern, with un-
abated fury.
Until this moment, the mind of Lieutenant de la Fond had
been engrossed by nothing but adopting every means to pre-
serve the ship ; but now, however, the horrors of impending
destruction were too apparent to every one. This fortitude,
notwithstanding, through the goodness of heaven, never for-
sook him : on looking around, he found himself alone on the
deck, and he retired to the round house. There he met M.
de la Fouche, who regarded the approach of death with the
same heroism which, in India, had gained him so much cele-
brity. " My brother and friend," he cried, " farewell ! "
"Whither are you going?" asked Lieutenant de la Fond;
" To comfort my friend, the captain," he replied.
M. Morin, who commanded this unfortunate vessel, was
overwhelmed with grief for the melancholy state of his female
relatives who were passengers with him. He had persuaded
them to commit themselves to the waves on hencoops, while
some of the seamen swimming with one hand, endeavoured
to support them with the other.
The floating masts and yards were covered with men strug-
gling with the watery element which environed them, and
many of them now perished by the balls which were dis-
charged from the guns when heated by the fire and thus pre-
senting a third means of destruction to augment the horrors
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 133
which surrounded them. While anguish pierced the heart
of Lieutenant de la Fond, he withdrew his eyes from the sea ;
and a moment after reaching the starboard gallery, he saw
the flames bursting with frightful noise through the windows
of the round house and of the great cabin. As the fire now
approached so near, that it seemed every instant ready to
consume him, and considering it in vain to attempt the further
preservation of the ship, or the lives of his fellow sufferers,
he thought it his duty, in this dreadful condition, to save
himself, if possible, yet a few hours, that these might be
devoted to Heaven.
Having stripped off his clothes, he intended to slip down a
yard, one end of which dipped in the water : but it was so
covered with miserable beings, shrinking from death, and
•clinging in the last gasp of mortal agony, that he tumbled
over them and fell into the sea. There a drowning soldier
•caught hold of him : Lieutenant de la Fond made every exer-
tion to disengage himself, but all his efforts were in vain :
and though he allowed himself to sink below the surface, yet
the soldier did not quit his grasp. The lieutenant plunged
down a second time, but he was still firmly held by the man
who was now incapable of considering that his death, instead
of proving of service to him, would rather hasten his own.
At length, after struggling for a considerable time, and swal-
lowing a large quantity of water, the soldier's strength failed,
and sensible that Lieutenant de la Fond was sinking a third
time, he dreaded being carried down along with him, and
loosened his grasp, which was no sooner done, than to avoid
■a repetition, the lieutenant dived below the surface, and rose
at a distance from the place.
This incident rendered him more cautious for the future ;
he even avoided the dead bodies, which were now so numer-
ous, that to make a free passage, he was compelled to push
them aside with one hand, while he kept himself floating
with the other, and his mind all the time impressed with the
apprehension, that each of them was a person who would
seize him and involve him in his own destruction : but his
strength soon beginning to fail, he was satisfied of the neces-
sity of some respite to his arduous toil, and soon after fell
in with part of the ensign staff, and put his arm through a
noose in the rope to secure it. In this manner he swam some
little time as well as he could, till perceiving a yard at hand,
he seized it by one hand ; but observing at the other extremity
134 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
a young man, who seemed scarcely able to support himself^,
he quickly abandoned so slight an aid, and one which seemed
incapable of contributing in any degree to his preservation.
Soon after leaving this, he got sight of the spritsail-yard, but
so covered with people, that he durst not attempt to take a
place among them without first asking permission, which,
however, they cheerfully granted. Some of them were quite
naked, others had nothing on except their shirts, and the pity
they expressed at the situation of Lieutenant de la Fond, and
his sense of their misfortunes, exposed his feelings to a severe-
trial.
Neither Captain Morin nor M. de la Fouche were known
to have quitted the ship, and were most probably overwhelmed
in that dreadful catastrophe by which she was destroyed.
The spectacle that was now exhibited on all sides was of the
most dismal description, and sufficient to have dismayed the
stoutest courage; the mainmast, which had the lower pare
consumed by the fire, had been precipitated overboard, killing
some by its fall, and affording to others a temporary refuge.
Lieutenant de la Fond now observed it covered with people,
and driven about at the mercy of the waves. At the same
time, he observed two seamen buoyed up by a hencoop and
some planks, and desired them to swim to him with the latter.
They did so, accompanied by more of their comrades, and each
taking a plank, which they used instead of oars, they and he
paddled along upon the yard, until they gained those who had
secured themselves upon the mainmast. So many changes
of situation only presented to him new spectacles of horror.
At this time the chaplain was on the mast, and from him
Lieutenant de la Fond received absolution. There were also
two young ladies there, whose piety and resignatian were
truly consolatory ; they were the only survivors of six, their
companions having perished in the flames or in the sea.
Eighty persons had found refuge on the mainmast, who were
constantly exposed to destruction from the repeated discharges
of the guns as the flames reached them. In this awful
situation, the chaplain, by his discourse and example, taught
the duty of resignation, till he lost his hold of the mast, and
dropped into the sea. Lieutenant de la Fond lifted him up,
but he intreated him to let him go : " for," said he, " I am
already half drowned, and it is only protracting my sufferings."
" No, my friend," the lieutenant answered, " when my strength
is exhausted, but not till then, we will perish together ! " and
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 135
in his pious company he calmly awaited death. After a lap8&
of three hours, one of the ladies fell from the mast and per-
ished ; but she was too far off him to receive any assistance
from the lieutenant.
After all hope of deliverance had been so long deferred as-
to be beyond expectation, the lieutenant, to his great joy,
observed the yawl close at hand, and immediately requested
to be allowed to participate in their fate. His skill and abili^
ties were too necessary for their preservation for them to re-
fuse his solicitation, and they permitted him to come on
board provided he could swim from the mast to join them, as
they did not choose to undergo the risk, by approaching the
mast, of being swamped by the rest of the survivors. The
lieutenant, summoning all his courage, succeeded in reaching:
the yawl ; and the pilot and master, whom he had left on the
mast, following his example, were seen and taken in.
The flames still continued to rage with unabated fury, and
as the yawl was endangered by being within half a leacjue of
her, she stood a little to windward. The fire soon after this
reached the magazine, which immediately exploded ; but to-
describe the terrific effect of it, is almost impossible. A thick
heavy cloud interrupted the light of the sun, and amidst the
dreadful blackness nothing could be seen but pieces of burn-
ing timber thrown into the air, and threatening to overwhelm
with destruction the numbers of miserable wretches still
struggling in the agonies of death. Nor were the party in-
the yawl free from danger, as it was not improbable that
some of the burning fragments might reach them and precipi-
tate their frail support to the bottom. The Almighty, how-
ever, in his mercy preserved them from this calamity ; but
what must have been their feelings at witnessing the horrid
spectacle which the surface of the sea presented, covered for
a considerable distance with pieces of wreck, and intermingled
with the mangled bodies of their unhappy shipmates, who
had perished, and some half consumed, who still retained
enough of life to be sensible of the accumulated horrors which
were overwhelming them.
Lieutenant de la Fond proposed that they should approach
the wreck, in the hope of picking up provisions or articles of
use to them, as they were totally devoid of everything, and
exposed to the hazard of a death even more horrible than that
which their companions had suffered. They found several
barrels which they expected might contain somuthiug to re-
136 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
lieve their necessities, but what was their mortification on
ascertaining that they were part of the powder which had
been thrown overboard during the conflagration.
Before night set in, they fortunately discovered a flask of
brandy, about fifteen pounds of salt pork, a piece of scarlet
€loth, twenty yards of linen, a dozen pipe-staves, and a small
quantity of cordage; but they durst not venture to retain
their present situation during the night, as they were
endangered by the fragments of wreck from which they could
not disengage themselves. They therefore rowed away as
quickly as possible, bestowing all their care on the manage-
ment of the yawl.
The whole of them now began to labour with the greatest
assiduity to put the boat into proper trim, and everything
which could be converted into use was employed ; the lining
of the boat was torn up for the sake of the planks and nails :
fortunately a seaman had two needles, and the linen which
they found afforded plenty of thread; the piece of scarlet
cloth was converted into a sail, an oar was erected for a mast,
and a plank served for a rudder. The equipment of the boat
was soon completed, as well as circumstances would allow,
notwithstanding the darkness of the night; but a great
difficulty remained, for they were without charts or instru-
ments, and being nearly two hundred leagues from land, they
knew not which way to steer. Eesigning themselves there-
fore to the Almighty, they fervently prayed for his direction
to guide them.
At length their sail was hoisted, and a favourable breeze
springing up, Lieutenant de la Fond, and a few survivors of
that numerous crew, who were in the yawl, were wafted from
amidst the bodies of their miserable shipmates.
Eight days and nights were these hapless adventurers
exposed in an open boat to the scorching heat of the sun by
day, and intense cold by night, before they discovered land;
their ihroats parched with intense thirst. They received a
temporary relief from a slight shower falling on the sixth,
which they endeavoured to catch in their mouths and in their
hands. They also sucked the sail which was wetted with the
rain ; but it had previously been so drenched with sea- water,
that it imparted the bitterness of the salt to the fresh water.
They did not, however, complain at the slightness of the
shower, as had it been heavier it might, in all probability,
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 137
have lulled the wind, in the continuance of which rested their
only hope of safety.
In order to ascertain as nearly as possible the proper course-
they should steer, they made daily observations of the rising
and setting of the sun and moon ; and the position of the stars
at night pointed out how they should steer. Their sustenance
in the meanwhile consisted of a small piece of pork, once in
twenty-four hours ; and this they were obliged to relinquish
on the fourth day, from the heac and irritation which it
occasioned in their bodies. Their beverage was a glass of
brandy taken at intervals; but this only inflamed their
stomachs without in any degree assuaging the thirst, which
it almost tended to produce. Abundance of flying fish were-
seen, but the impossibility of catching them only augmented
the pain they already endured, though they endeavoured ta
reconcile themselves to the scanty pittance which they pos-
sessed. Still the uncertainty of their destiny, their miserable
supply of sustenance, and the turbulence of the ocean, all
contributed to deprive them of repose which they so much
needed, and almost plunged them into despair. Under such
an accumulation of sufferings, it was nothing but a feeble ray
of hope which preserved them.
On the eighth night Lieutenant de la Fond had the helm,,
where he remained for above ten hours, praying to be relieved
from their distressed situation, till at length, exhausted by
fatigue and privation, he sunk down completely helpless.
His miserable companions were equally exhausted by the
sufferings they had undergone, and the whole of them now
began to be overwhelmed in despair of flu ding relief.
At last when the united calamities of hunger, thirsty
fatigue, and misery, predicted speedy annihilation to these
unfortunate few, on the dawn of Wednesday, August 3rd,
1752, to their unspeakable joy, they saw the distant land.
None but those who have experienced the horrors of such a
situation, can form an adequate idea of the change which
was produced. Their strength was renovated, and they were
aroused to take the necessary precautions against being drifted
away by the current, in which they succeeded, and thus
reached the coast of Brazil in 6' S. lat., and landed in Tresson
Bay.
Their first object on setting foot on the shore was to return
their most fervent thanks to the Almighty for his gracious
and merciful protection of them under such an accumulation
138 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of dangers. They prostrated themselves on the ground, and
then in the wild transports of their unbounded joy at their
deliverance, rolled among the sand.
In appearance, they were the most frightful objects ima-
ginable, nothing human characterised them which did not
announce their misfortunes in glaring colours. Some were
quite naked, others had only shirts quite rotten and torn to
rags. Lieutenant de la Fond had fastened a piece of the
scarlet cloth round his waist, in order to give him the appear-
ance of being at the head of his companions. Although thus
rescued from imminent danger, they had still to contend with
hunger and thirst, and were ignorant whether they should
meet men endowed with humanity or not in that region.
While they were deliberating on the course they should
pursue, they were accosted by about fifty Portuguese of the
settlement, who advanced and inquired the cause of their
presence. Their misfortunes were soon explained, and the
recital of them proved a claim upon their hospitality. The
Portuguese men, deeply affected by the account they gave,
congratulated themselves that it had fallen to their lot to re-
lieve the strangers, and speedily led them to their dwellings.
On their way the seamen were highly rejoiced at the sight of
a river, into which they threw themselves, and plunging about
in the water drank copious draughts of it to allay their thirst.
They afterwards found frequent bathing to be one of the best
restoratives of health, and to which all of them resorted.
Tliey were met by the chief man of the place, who con*
ducted Lieutenant de la Pond and his companions to his
house, which was situate about half a league distant from the
spot where they had landed. He generously supplied them
with linen shirts and trousers, and boiled some fish for them,
the water of which they relished as delicious broth. Though
sleep was as necessary as this frugal fare after their fatigue,
j-et, having learned that there was a church dedicated to St.
Michael within the distance of half a league, they would not
rest till they had repaired thither to render thanks to heaven
for their miraculous preservation. The badness of the road
fatigued them so much, that they were compelled to rest in
the village where it stood, and there the narrative of their
misfortunes, added to the piety which they exhibited, attracted
the notice of the inhabitants, that each was striving to be the
first to minist-er something to their necessities. After re-
maining a short time to refresh themselves, they returned to
DESTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE. 139
their kind host, who, at night, generously contributed another
repast of fish. Something, however, more invigorating being
required by people who had endured so much, they purchased
an ox with the quantity of brandy that had been saved from
the wreck.
Paraibo was distant about fifteen leagues, and to reach this
place they had to travel barefoot with very little chance of
finding any provisions on the way ; and, consequently, they
smoke-dried their little store, and added some flour to it.
They started on their journey in three days' time ; and under
An escort of soldiers advanced seven leagues the first day,
when they were hospitably received by a person who lived
on the road, and they passed the night in his house. On the
following evening a sergeant and twenty-nine men arrived to
conduct them to the commandant of the fortress, who gave
them a very friendly reception, afforded them supplies, and
provided a boat to carry them to Paraibo, which they reached
about midnight, where a Portuguese captain attended to
present them to the governor, from whom they experienced
the most hospitable attentions. Being anxious to reach Per-
nambuco, where a Portuguese fleet was daily expected to sail
for Europe, the governor, after they had stayed three days,
ordered a corporal to conduct the party to that port ; but at
this time Lieutenant de la Pond was so cruelly wounded in
the feet through his great fatigues, that he was scarcely able
to stand, and on that account was charitably supplied with a
horse.
They arrived at Pernambuco in four days, where the lieu-
tenant met with the utmost consideration and attention from
different naval and military officers who were there, and he
and all his companions had a passage provided for them in
the fleet.
They sailed from Pernambuco on the 5th of October, and
reached Lisbon in safety on the 17th of December, from
thence Lieutenant de la Fond procured a passage to Morlaix,
where, having rested a few days to recruit his strength, he
repaired to Port L'Orient with his health greatly injured by
the dreadful miseries he had undergone, and reduced to a
state of poverty, having, after twenty-eight years' hard service,
lost all he had in the world.
By this deplorable castastrophe, nearly three hundred per-
sons lost their lives.
140 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
LOSS OF
H.M.S. NAUTILUS,
IN THE GREEK ARCHIPELAGO.
In consequence of a misunderstanding having arisen between
the government of Great Britain and the Ottoman Porte, a
powerful squadron was ordered to proceed to Constantinople^
for the purpose of enforcing compliance with the terms pro-
posed. The object, however, proved abortive; and the expedi-
tion terminated in a way which did not tend to enhance the
reputation of Great Britain.
Sir Thomas Louis, who was commander of the squadron
sent to the Dardanelles, having despatches of great import-
ance to send to England, entrusted them to Captain Palmer
of the Nautilus ; and the vessel got under weigh on the 3rd
of January, 1807. A fresh breeze from N. E. carried her
rapidly out of the Hellespont, and soon after she passed the
island of Tenedos, off the north end of which two vessels of
war were seen. They hoisted Turkish colours, and in return
the Nautilus displayed
"The flag that's braved a thousand years
The battle and the breeze."
In the course of the day they came in sight of many of the
islands abounding in the Greek Archipelago, and in the even-
ing approached the island of Negropont, lying in 38° 30' north
lat., and 24° 8' east long, where the navigation became more
intricate, from the greac number of small islands, and from
the narrow entrance between Negropont and the island of
Andros.
The wind still continued to blow fresh, and as night was
approaching, with the appearance of being dark and squally,
the pilot, who was a Greek, wished to lie-to till morning,
which was done ; and the vessel continued her course at day-
break. They steered for Falconera, in the track so beautifully
described by Falconer in his inimitable poem, and made that
and the island of Anti Milo in the evening ; but they could
not see the extensive island of Milo, which is about fifteen
miles farther off, on account of the thick and hazy weather
which prevailed.
LOSS OF H.M.S. NAUTILUS. 141^
As the pilot had not been beyond the present position of
the Nautihis, and declared his ignorance of the farther bear-
ings, he relinquished his charge, which was resumed by the
captain. Every possible attention was paid to the navigation ;
and Captain Palmer having seen Falconera so plainly, and
being anxious to fulfil his mission as expeditiously as possible,
resolved to stand on during the night. He made himself con-
fident of clearing the Archipeligo before morning, and he
pricked the course himself, from the chart, which was to be
steered by the vessel, and which he pointed out to his cox-
swain, George Smith,of whose ability he entertained the highest
opinion. He then had his bed prepared, as he had not had
his clothes ofif for the three preceding nights, and scarcely
any sleep since the time they left the Dardanelles.
The night that followed was extremely dark, the horizon
repeatedly lighted up with vivid flashes, which only inspired
the captain with greater confidence, as he thought it would
enable them to see much better at intervals, so that in the
event of the ship approaching any land the danger would be
discovered in sufficient time for them to avoid it.
The wind still continued to increase, and though the ship
carried but little sail, she went at the rate of nine miles an
hour, being assisted by a lofty following sea ; which, with the
brilliancy of the lightning, made the night particularly awful.
At half-past two in the morning high land was distinguished,
which those who saw it believed to be the island of Cerigotto,
and therefore thought all was safe, and that the danger had
been left behind. The ship's course was altered to pass the
island, and she continued on her course until about half-past
four, at the changing of the watch, when the dull monotony
of the night was suddenly interrupted by the cry of the man
on the look-out, " Breakers-ahead ! " and instantly the vessel
struck with a most tremendous crash. The shock was so
violent that the people were thrown from their beds, and on
coming upon deck were obliged to cling to the cordage.
Everything was now thrown into confusion, and all was hurry
and alarm ; the crew hastened upon deck, which they had
scarcely reached, when the ladders below them gave way, and
indeed left many persons struggling in the water, which
already rushed into the under part of the ship. The captain,
it appeared, had not gone to bed, and immediately came upon
deck when the Nautilus struck ; when, having examined her
situation, he immediately went round, accompanied by his
142 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
\y second lieutenant, Mr. IN'esbitt, and endeavoured to quiet the
apprehensions of the people. He then returned to his cabin
and burnt all his papers and private signals. In the mean-
time each returning sea lifted up the ship, and then dashed
I her against the rocks with irresistible force ; and in a short
time the crew were forced to resort to the rigging, where
they remained for more than an hour, exposed to the fury of
the surges, which were incessantly breaking over them. Dis-
mayed at the distresses they endured, they broke out in the
most passionate exclamations, lamenting for their wives, their
children and their kindred. The night was so dark, and the
weather so hazy, that the rocks could be seen at only a very
small distance, and that only two minutes before the ship
struck.
The lightning had by this time entirely ceased, and the
night was so intensely dark, that the people could not see the
length of the ship from them ; their only hope rested in the
falling of the main-mast, which they trusted would reach a
small rock which they discovered very near them. About
half-an-hour before day-break the main-mast gave way, and
providentially fell towards the rock, whereby they were
enabled to gain the land.
The struggles and confusion consequent upon this occurrence
may be conceived but cannot be described ; several of the
crew were drowned. One man had his arm broken, and
several were cruelly lacerated ; but Captain Palmer refused
to quit his station as long as any individual remained on
/ board : and not until the whole of his people had gained the
/ rock did he make any exertion to save himself. At that
' time, in consequence of his remaining by the wreck, he had
received considerable personal injury, and must inevitably
have perished, had not some of the seamen ventured to his
assistance, through a most tremendous sea. The boats were
staved in pieces, though several of the people endeavoured to
haul in the jolly-boat; but this they could not succeed in
accomplishing.
The hull of the vessel being to windward of them, sheltered
the shipwrecked crew a long time from the beating of the
surf ; but as she broke up, their situation became every mo-
ment more perilous, till at last they found that they should
be obliged to abandon the small portion of rock which they
had reached, and wade to another, which appeared somewhat
larger. By carefully watching the breaking of the seas, the
LOSS OF H.M.S. NAUTILUS. 143
first lieutenant succeeded in reaching the larger rock in safety,
and the rest resolved to follow his example ; but scarcely was
this resolution formed and attempted to be put into execution,
than the people encountered an immense quantity of loose
spars, which were immediately washed into the channel they
had to cross. Necessity, however, would admit of no alter-
native but to attempt the passage, when many were severely
wounded : and they suffered more in this undertaking than
in gaining the first rock from the ship. The want of shoes
was particularly felt, as the sharp rocks tore their feet in a
dreadful manner, and many of them had their legs covered
with blood.
The appearance of daylight only served to disclose the hor-
rors by which these unfortunate creatures were surrounded.
The sea was covered with the wreck of their ill-fated vessel :
many of their unhappy companions were seen floating away
on spars and pieces of the wreck ; and the dead and dying
were mingled together without a possibility of the survivors
being able to afford assistance to any that might still be
rescued. Two short hours had been productive of all this
misery — the ship destroyed, and her crew reduced to a state
of wretchedness and despair. Their wild and affrighted looks
exhibited the dreadful sensations by which they were agitated ;
but on being recalled to a sense of their real condition, they
had nothing left but resignation to the will of Heaven.
They now discovered that they had been cast away on a
coral rock, almost level with the water, about three or four
hundred yards long and two hundred broad. They were at
least twelve miles from the nearest islands, which were after-
wards found to be those of Cerigotto and Pera, on the north
end of Candia. At this time it was reported that several
men had escaped in a small boat ; and although the fact was
true, the uncertainty of her fate induced those on the rock to
confide in being relieved by any vessel accidentally passing in
sight of a signal of distress they had hoisted on a long pole.
The weather had been extremely cold, so much so, that the
day preceding the wreck, the ice had lain on the deck ; and
to resist its inclemency a fire was kindled by means of a knife
and flint, preserved in one of the sailor's pockets, and some
damp powder from a small barrel which was washed ashore.
They next constructed a small tent with pieces of old canvas,
boards, and such things as could be got from the wreck ; and
were thus enabled to dry the few clothes they had saved.
144 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
But notwithstanding this slight alleviation, they passed &
long and comfortless night, though partly consoled with the?
hope that their fire might be seen in the dark, and taken for
a signal of distress.
When the ship first struck, a small whale-boat was hanging
over the quarter, into which an officer, George Smith, the
coxswain, and nine men immediately got, and happily escaped.
After rowing three or four leagues against a high sea, and the
wind blowing hard, they reached the island of Pera. Thia
proved to be scarcely a mile in circumference, and containing
nothing but a few sheep and goats belonging to the inhabitants
of Cerigo, who came in the summer months to fetch away
their young. They could find no rain water, except a little
in the hole of a rock, and that was barely sufficient, though
used most sparingly. Having observed the fire before men-
tioned during the night, they conjectured that some of their
shipmates might have been saved, for until then they considered
their destruction inevitable. Impressed with this opinion,
the coxswain proposed again hazarding themselves in the boat
for their relief ; and although some feeble objections were
raised to it, he continued resolute to his purpose, and persuaded
four others to accompany him.
About nine o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, the second
day of the shipwreck, those on the rock descried the approach
of the little whale-boat ; all uttered an exclamation of joy.
The surprise of the coxswain and his crew to find so many of
their shipmates still surviving, is not to be described. The
surf ran so high as to endanger the safety of the boat, and
several of the people imprudently endeavoured to get into it.
The coxswain tried to persuade Captain Palmer to come to
him, but he steadily refused, saying, " No, Smith, save your
unfortunate shipmates, never mind me." After some little
consultation, he desired him to take the Greek pilot on board,
and make the best of his way to Cerigotto, where the pilot
said there were some families of fishermen, who would, doubt-
less, relieve their necessities.
But it appeared as if heaven had decreed the destruction
of this unfortunate crew ; for soon after the boat departed,
the wind began to increase, and dark clouds gathering around,
excited the apprehensions of those left behind, of a frightful
storm. In two hours it commenced with the greatest fury,
and the waves rising considerably, soon destroyed their fire.
The rock was nearly covered with water, and the men were
LOSS OF H.M.S. NAUTILUS. 145
compelled to fly to the highest part for refuge, which was the
only place that could afford any shelter. There nearly ninety
people passed a night of horror and dismay, were only pre-
vented from being swept away by the surf, which every
moment broke over them, by a small rope fastened round the
summit of the rock, and holding on by each other.
The fatigues they had previously undergone, added to
what they now endured, proved too overpowering for many,
who soon became delirous; their strength was exhausted,
and they could hold on no longer. Their afflictions were
fitill further aggravated by the dread that each succeeding
wave would sweep them all into oblivion. They were but
ill -prepared to meet the terrible effects of famine ; their
strength enfeebled, their bodies unsheltered, and in despair
of all hope of relief. Nor were they less alarmed for the fate
of the boat. The storm came on before she could have
reached the island, and on her safety their own depended.
The scene which daylight presented was, however, still more
deplorable ; the survivors beheld the bodies of their departed
shipmates, and some still in the agonies of death. Those
surviving, altogether exhausted from the sea breaking over
them all night, and the inclemency of the weather ; which
was such, that many of them, among whom was the carpenter,
perished from excessive cold.
They had now to witness an instance of cold-blooded inhu-
manity, which must leave an eternal stain of infamy on those
who merit the reproach. Soon after daybreak they discovered
a vessel with all sail set before the wind, steering directly for
the rock. They made every possible signal of distress which
their feeble condition would permit, and were at last gratified
-at seeing the vessel heave-to, and the boat hoisted out. Their
joy, as may be imagined, was extreme, for nothing short of
immediate relief could be anticipated ; and they hastily made
preparations for rafts to carry them through the surf, in the
lull confidence that the boat was provided with relief for
their necessities. On her nearer approach, to within pistol-
shot, they observed her full of men, dressed as Europeans,
who, to their horror and disappointment, gazed at them a
few minutes, and then rowed back to their ship. The galling
cruelty of this barbarous proceeding was heightened by
observing the strange vessel employed the whole day in taking
up the floating remains of that vessel which had so lately
borne them.
146 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
It would surely excite little compassion to learn that the
abandoned wretches who could be guilty of such unfeeling
brutality had suffered the just retribution which such in-
human conduct merited. That creatures in the form of men,
and apparently Europeans, could wantonly take advantage of
misery, instead of relieving it, will scarcely seem credible at
the present day.
After this cruel disappointment, and bestowing an anathema
which the barbarity of the strangers well deserved, they
turned their thoughts during the day towards the return of
the boat; but in this, also, they were disappointed, which
confirmed their apprehension that she had been lost. They
now began to yield to despondency, and had before them only
the gloomy prospect of inevitable destruction. Thirst became
intolerable, and in spite of being warned against it by the
instances of its terrible effects some of them, in desperation,
resorted to salt water. Their miserable companions had soon
melancholy experience of its consequences ; in a few hours
raging madness followed, and exhausted nature could struggle
no longer.
Another awful night was to be passed; yet the weather
being considerably more moderate, the sufferers had continued
hopes that it would be less disastrous than the one preceding ;
and to preserve themselves from the cold they crowded close
together, and covered themselves with the few remaining rags.
But the ravings of those who had drank salt water were truly
horrible ; all endeavours to quiet them were ineffectual, and
the power of sleep lost its influence. At midnight they were
unexpectedly hailed by the crew of the whale-boat ; but the
urgent want of those on the rock was water, which they cried
out to their shipmates for, though in vain. Earthen vessels
only could have been procured, and these would not bear
being conveyed through the surf. The coxswain then said
that they should be taken off by a fishing vessel in the morn-
ing, and with this assurance they were obliged to be content.
They now anxiously looked forward to the morning ; and
for the first time since the wreck, the sun cheered them with
his rays. Still the fourth morning came, and no tidings either
of the boat or fishing-vesseL The anxiety of the people
increased, for inevitable death from famine was staring them
in the face. What were they to do for self-preservation ?
The misery and hunger which they endured was excessive,
and though aware of those means by which mariners in similar
LOSS OF H.M.S. NAUTILUS. 147
circumstances had protracted life, yet they viewed them with
disgust. Still when they had no alternative, they considered
their urgent necessities afforded them some excuse. Offering
a prayer to heaven for forgiveness of the sinful act, they
selected a young man who had died the preceding night, and
ventured to appease their hunger with human flesh.
Whether their disgusting repast afforded them any relief
or not is uncertain, for, towards evening, death made fearful
havoc among them, and many brave men drooped under their
accumulated hardships. Among these were the captain and
first lieutenant, two meritorious officers; and the sullen
silence now preserved by the survivors showed the state of
their feelings. Captain Palmer was in the twenty-sixth year
of his age, and amidst his endeavours to comfort those under
his command his personal injuries were borne with patience
and resignation, and not even a murmur escaped his lips.
Hjs virtuous life was prematurely closed by the overwhelm-
ing severity of the lamentable calamity in which he had
shared.
During the course of another tedious night, many suggested
the possibility of constructing a raft, which could carry the
survivors to Cerigotto ; and the wind being favourable might
enable them to reach that island. As this seemed preferable
to remaining on the rock to perish by hunger and thirst, they
prepared, at daylight, to put their plan into execution. A
number of the larger spars were lashed together, and sanguine
hopes of success were entertained. The moment of launching
the raft at length arrived, but it was only to distress the
people with new disappointments ; for a few moments sufficed
for the destruction of a work on which the strongest of the
party had been occupied for hours. This unexpected failure
made several of them still more desperate, and five resolved
to trust themselves on a few small spars, slightly lashed
together, and on which they had scarcely room to stand.
Bidding adieu to their companions, they launched out into
the sea, when they were speedily carried along by the strong
currents, and vanished for ever from their sight.
The same afternoon they were again rejoiced by the sight of
the whale-boat, and the coxswain told them he had experi-
enced great difficulty in prevailing on the Greek fishermen of
Cerigotto to venture into the boats, from their dread oi the
weather. Neither would they permit him to rescue them un-
less accompanied by themselves. He regretted tho sufferings
148 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of his comrades, and his not being able to relieve them ; but
encouraged them with the hope, if the weather remained fine,
that the next day the boats might come. While the coxswain
was speaking, twelve or fourteen men imprudently plunged
into the sea, and very nearly reached the boat. Two, indeed,
got so far that they were taken in, one was drowned and the
remainder providently got back to the rock. Those who had
thus escaped could not but be envied by their companions,
while they reproached the indiscretion of those who, had they
reached the boat, would, without doubt, have sunk her, and
and have thus consigned the whole to irremediable destruction.
Their thoughts were wholly occupied on these passing
incidents, contemplating their forlorn condition, and judging
this to be the last day of their existence, when suddenly from
the lowest ebb of despair, they became elated with the most
extravagant joy, as the approach of the boats was unexpectedly
announced. Copious draughts of water refreshed their languid
bodies ; and never before did they know the blessing which
the possession of water could afford ; it was to them more
delicious and valuable than the finest wines.
Anxious preparations were now made to depart from a
place which had been fatal to so many unhappy sufferers.
Of one hundred and twenty-two persons who were on board
the Nautilus when she struck, fifty-eight had perished. It
was supposed that eighteen were drowned at the moment of
the catastrophe, one in attempting to reach the boat, five were
lost on the small raft, and thirty-four died of famine. About
fifty now embarked in four small fishing-vessels, and were
landed the same evening at the island of Cerigotto, making
altogether sixty-four individuals who were saved including
those who escaped in the whale-boat. They had passed six
days upon the rock, during which time they had not received
any subsistence, excepting from the human flesh in which
they had participated.
The survivors landed at a small creek in the island of
Cerigotto, from whence they had to go a considerable distance
before reaching the dwellings of their friends. Their first
care was to send to the island of Pera for the master's mate
and his companions, who had been left behind when the
whale-boat came down to the rock. It was found that they
had exhausted all the fresh water, and had lived upon the
sheep and goats which they caught among the rocks, and
drank their blood. All this time they had been in a state of
LOSS OF H.M.S. NAUTILUS. 149
the greatest anxiety for the safety of those who had left them
in the boat.
Though the Greeks were unable to aid the seamen in the
cure of their wounds, they treated them with great care and
hospitality ; but medical assistance being important from the
pain which the sufferers endured, and having nothing to bind
up their wounds but their shirts, which they tore into band-
ages, they were eager to reach Cerigo. The island of Cerigotto,
where they had landed, was a dependency on the other ; in
size about fifteen miles by ten, of a barren, unproductive soil,
and that but little cultivated. It was inhabited by twelve
or fourteen families of Greek fishermen, who, as the pilot said,
were in a state of extreme poverty, living in huts built of clay
and straw, and subsisting on bread made of boiled pease and
flour, with occasionally a bit of kid ; but they made a liquor
from corn which had an agreeable flavour, and being a strong
spirit, was eagerly swallowed by the sailors.
Cerigo is about twenty-five miles distant, and there they
were told an English consul resided. Eleven days, however,
elapsed before they could leave Cerigotto, from the difficulty
of persuading the Greeks to venture to sea in their frail barks
during the tempestuous weather. The wind at last proving
fair, and the sea being smooth, they bade a grateful adieu to
the kind families who had sheltered them, and who were so
tenderly affected by their distresses, that they shed tears of
regret on their departure. They reached Cerigo in about
seven hours, and were received with open arms. Immediately
on their arrival they were met by the English vice consul,
Signer Manuel Caluci, a native of the island, who devoted his
house, bed, credit and whole attention to their service ; and
the survivors unite in declaring their inability to express the
obligations under which they were laid by his hospitality.
The governor, commandant, bishop, and principal people all
showed them equal kindness, care, and friendship, and exerted
themselves to render the time agreeable, insomuch that it
was with no little regret these shipwrecked mariners thought
of quitting these generous islanders.
After remaining about three weeks, they were informed
that a Eussian ship of war lay at anchor off the Morea, which
was distant about twelve leagues ; and immediately sent
letters to her commanding officer, narrating their misfortunes,
and soliciting a passage to Corfu. The master of the Nautilus
determining to make the most of the opportunity, took a boat
150 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to reach the Eussian vessel; but was unfortunately blown upon
the rocks during a heavy gale of wind, and very narrowly
escaped perishing, while the boat was dashed to pieces. How-
ever, after great difficulty, he got to the ship, and at length
succeeded in procuring the desired passage for himself and
his companions to Corfu. To accommodate them, the Eussian
commander came down to Cerigo, and anchored at a small
port called St. Nicholas, at the eastern extremity of the island.
On February 5, the English embarked on board the Eussian
ship ; but owing to contrary winds, they did not sail before
the 15th, when they bade farewell to their generous friends.
They next touched at Zante, a small island abounding in
currants and olives ; the oil from the latter of which consti-
tutes the chief riches of the people. After remaining there
four days, they sailed for Corfu, where they arrived on the
2nd of March, 1807, nearly two months after the date of their
shipwreck.
LOSS OF THE
FRANCIS & CHARLOTTE
OFF THE COAST OF INDIA.
Of all the perils of the great deep recorded in these pages,
there are perhaps few of such striking interest, or in which
the lives of several hundreds of our fellow-creatures were so
long in imminent peril, as in the shipwreck of a division of
the 78th regiment, on their return from Java, in 1816.
This division was doomed to encounter a more than
ordinary share of the perils of the deep. It first embarked
on board the Princess Charlotte, and sailed from Samarang
Eoads for Calcutta on the 18th of September, 1816; but the
following day, at three p.m., that vessel struck on a sunken
rock, and carried away her rudder. The boats, on being hoisted
out, were found so leaky as to be useless, and a raft was
formed to hold the troops, in the expectation of her beating to
pieces in the course of the night ; but, luckily, before it became
necessary to commit themselves to it, the vessel swung off the
rock, and was with great difficulty carried into Batavia Eoads
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 151
on the second day after she grounded, On being inspected
here she was found to have suffered too much damage to
proceed on her voyage, and the troops were therefore removed
to the Francis and Charlotte, a vessel of seven hundred tons,
commanded by Captain Acres. Some time afterwards, when
the Princess Charlotte was undergoing repair at Calcutta, a
piece of rock, about half a ton weight, was found to have
lodged near her keel, during the time she was ashore ; and
yet m this state had she, subsequently to this disaster, been
again employed to carry troops from Java to Bengal, and
had encountered two gales of wind off the Sand Heads.
Had this piece of rock fallen out, which it is next to a
miracle it did not, she must have instantly foundered with all
on board. To such frail chances have the lives of our gallant
soldiers been too often entrusted.
This ill-fated division, however, a second time set sail for
Calcutta on the 29th of September, and enjoyed a pleasant
and prosperous voyage till the 5th of November, when, about
half-past two in the morning, a drummer of the regiment
came from the forecastle and reported to the officer on watch
that he saw the rocks a-head. The vessel was then going
before a moderate breeze at the rate of four or five knots an
hour. The alarm was immediately given, and she was put
about; but while in stays the current carried her rapidly
towards the rocks, and she struck on a sunken reef.
At this time there were upwards of five hundred and forty
souls on board, and the boats were scarcely sufficient to hold
a fifth part of that number. It soon became evident, from
the way in which the vessel was striking, that she was not
likely to keep together long ; and the water having already
made rapid progress in her hold, there was obviously no-
chance of her ever floating again. As yet they were uncertain
on what part of the coast she had struck ; but when morning
dawned the island of Preparis was recognised on the larboard
quarter, distant from twelve or thirteen miles ; and they
found that she had struck on one of the sunken reefs which
surround it, and render it so much dreaded by navigators in
those seas.
As soon as the land was descried, it became obvious that
the only chance of safety rested in the boats being able to
carry otf the troops by successive detachments from the
wreck ; but this of course depended on the weather continuing
moderate, and the vessel not going to pieces in the meantime
152 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
— a prospect by no means likely to be realised. However,
though death in all probability awaited those who were
obliged to remain, no seltish feeling was animated by the
soldiers to secure their own safety at the expense of the more
helpless portion of the community. The sick men, with the
women and children, were first put into the long boat and
cutter, along with as many of the soldiers as she could carry,
under the care of Captain M'Queen and Mr. Brown, the
assistant-surgeon. It was at first no easy matter to get the
women to trust themselves to the boats ; and it was fortunate
that in this emergency the lady of the commanding officer,
Mrs. MTherson, possessed sufficient fortitude to set the
example by going first into the boat, on which the rest gained
confidence and followed her. In the hurry of starting, very
few oars could be found, and neither the masts nor sails of
the boat could be got out of ths hold. At five o'clock a.m.
these two boats set off for the island ; the jolly-boat had been
stove against the side of ihe ship, and went down, so that the
gig was the only one remaining with those on board the
vessel.
As the ship beat very violently, and the sea instantly
broke through her ports, and over her upper decks, the fore-
mast, with all sail set, was cut away, and fell over the star-
board bow, carrying with it the maintop-mast and mizen-top-
gallantmast. When the advance of day lighted up the
horrors of their situation, the scene appeared terrific, beyond
description. Nothing was visible but breakers and rocks
around them in every direction, lashed by a rapid foaming
current, which swept everything before it. About fifty
yards from the stern, a small rock jutting above the water
appeared the only spot capable of affording temporary relief,
in case of the vessel going to pieces before the boats could
return, an event which her frail state hourly rendered more
probable. With a view of establishing a communication
between this rock and the vessel, and thereby placing a
portion of the men in greater security, the gig was sent with
a rope, which was made fast to the rock, and bound round
the mizenmast.
By this time, to their great disappointment and distress,
they could see that the boats which had left them, instead of
nearing the island, were drifting to leeward, the crews being
exhausted with pulling against the strong current which was
setting from the shore. The gig was accordingly despatched
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 153
after the long-boat, with a sail which had been procured for
her out of the hold, and by the aid of which they could
observe her at length nearing to the island. During the
absence of the gig, some of the men were employed in making
a raft from such spars and yards as could be procured, and
others in saving bags of rice and biscuit out of the gun-room,
so long as the state of the vessel admitted of their exertions.
About one hundred men were removed from the vessel to the
rock ; but as it would hold no more at high water, it occurred
to them, that if the vessel went to pieces before the boats
could return, many more might be saved by tying rafts to the
rocks ; and as, from the strength of the current, it was found
absolutely impracticable to work the one they had prepared,
it was made fast there, and connected with the vessel by
several strong ropes ; and another raft was also commenced
with the same view on the larboard side.
After the gig returned, the long-boat and cutter, which
they had previously seen nearing the island, were suddenly
lost sight of, and they became much alarmed lest the boats
had been lost in the surf when attempting to land. As their
sole hopes of rescue rested on their return, the anxiety of
their situation can be easier conceived than expressed. To
remove the suspense under which they were all suffering.
Captain Acres determined, to go on shore in the gig, and
Major MTherson, at the earnest entreaty of the rest, accom-
panied him. At sunset they left, taking with them about
fifteen men, and the remainder were left, in all about three
hundred souls, in a vessel of which every timber was giving
evident symptoms of breaking up, and rendering it barely
possible that, in the absence of rough seas or boisterous
weather, they would see the morrow's dawn.
As night set in, the dreariness of their situation was enough
to quail the hearts even of the boldest, still the soldiers in
general behaved well. A few there were, no doubt, who, in
the vain hope of drowning care, and hiding from themselves
the horrors of their impending fate, sought refuge in intoxi-
cation, of which the means readily presented themselves
between decks ; and two or three of them in this state proved
disobedient and disorderly, conceiving that the approach of
death levelled all ranks and distinctions; but the general
mass of the soldiers exhibited the most praiseworthy conduct,
and, unappalled by the boiling surge which every moment
threatened to engulf them in its eddies, continued in their
154 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
labours of preparing another raft, and saving as much of the
provisions as possible from the wreck. The Lascars for several
hours had been of no use whatever. They had stowed them-
selves away in the forecastle, and were busy plundering and
drinking.
As the tide rose the men on the rock could not keep their
footing, and the waves breaking over it, swept several of them
into eternity. Small pieces of rope were therefore sent to
them with directions to fasten themselves to the rock, and
after that precaution accidents became less frequent. Lest
the vessel should go to pieces in the night, they became anxious
to get back the raft from the rock, in order that it might take
off as many as possible ; but in endeavouring to haul it up
against the current, which was running at the rate of five or
^ix knots an hour, two of the ropes broke, and the attempt
had to be abandoned, as there was but one left to connect it
with the vessel.
When the second raft was completed, another attempt was
made to haul up the other alongside of it ; but it was found
impracticable, after the attempt was persevered in for a couple
•of hours, during which the sea was beating constantly over
the party employed ; and when the ship rolled on her star-
board side she raised the raft on which they were nearly out
of the water, and as she rolled over on the other side, buried
them in the waves. This working speedily loosened the spars,
and all hands were therefore set to work to lash them together,
and endeavour to make the raft firm.
There cannot be a more wretched situation imagined than
during their exertions on this raft, buffeted by the waves,
which broke over them in huge masses at every alternate roll
of the vessel, bruised by the boxes, trunks, &c., which were
<jonstantly washing out of the port-holes, and obliged to exert
themselves to secure and keep together the only frail support
they had to trust to, though their footing was so insecure
that every moment they were in danger of being swept into
the current, or dashed to pieces against the side of the vessel.
During this period of eventful exertion, when one by one
their fellow-sufferers were swept off by the merciless ocean,
the cool and determined demeanour of some was strikingly
contrasted with the noisy clamour of others ; and in general
those w^ho were the most profligate in their habits, were now
the loudest in their prayers and lamentations. One of the
subalterns on the raft, who was by no means noted on former
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 155
occasions, either for the fervour of his belief or the ardency
of his worship, was so zealous in his supplications to the
Almighty for relief, on this occasion, as to induce a smile,
even amid the awful nature of the scene around them.
At high water the ship was striking tremendously, owing
to the great body of water in her hold, and as the only hope
of keeping her together, it was determined to cut away her
main-mast ; but the Lascar carpenter could not be found, and
they were afraid, unless properly done, it might, in falling,
carry away the poop, which was the only place to shelter
them. However, to keep the vessel from breaking up, they
were necessitated to run every risk, and having cut the
weather mizen-rigging, a few blows of the hatchet sent the
mast over the starboard side, luckily without injuring the
vessel. The ship was much easier in consequence, and wearied
with their exertions, some of them endeavoured to snatch a
little sleep iu the mizen larboard chains. While in this
situation, they fortunately overheard one of the men who had
been left to take care of the raft propose to his comrades to
cut it loose and make the best of their way from the wreck,
as it would only hold a few of them with safety when the
ship broke up. The idea of being thus abandoned to their
fate was quite sufficient to banish all thought of sleep, even
fatigued as they were ; and to prevent the possibility of so
treacherous a proposition being adopted, all the men on the
raft were immediately ordered on board.
Often in their anxiety did they cast their eyes towards the
island, for it required little reflection to convince them that
unless their comrades had been successful in effecting a land-
ing, all their exertions would only tend to prolong a miserable
existence for a day or two, but could in no way secure their
ultimate safety ; and from the boats having been lost sight of
so long, and their being no indications of any of them having
reached the island, the most gloomy forebodings began to be
entertained, both for the fate of those in the boats, and their
own. At length, to their inexpressible joy, about four o'clock
in the morning, a light was seen on shore, and soon after
another, at a little distance from the first, which they con-
jectured was a signal of their safe arrival, and a lantern was
hung out by those on bofird at the mainmast-head in answer
to it.
As the day broke they perceived the long-boat under sail,
with the cutter in tow, coming towards the vessel, and at
156 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
length began to entertain some hope of being rescued from
the perilous situation in which they had passed the last
twenty-seven hours, expecting every moment to be their last.
The two boats, however, could only carry one hundred and
ten of their number, so that the rest had to be left to encounter
similar dangers for another night or two ; their only safety
depending on the continuance of moderate weather, and the
ship holding together till then. Still, with this manifest
danger before them, was the disembarking party arranged,
without any selfish anxiety being manifested by one portion
of the soldiers to secure their safety at the expense of the
others.
It may easily be supposed, notwithstanding their chance
of escaping the perils of the deep, the situation of the party
in the boats was by no means enviable. They had not a
drop of fresh water, and, after being exhausted by the
exertions of the preceding night, had to pull against a strong
current a distance of upwards of fifteen miles, exposed to
the burning rays of a tropical sun. It was after a day of
great fatigue and suffering they landed on the Preparis at
about four p.m., where they received the welcome intelligence
that fresh water had been found in abundance about a mile
from the landing-place, with which they quenched their
thirst in copious libations, and ate some shell-fish which had
been prepared for them by the ladies, knowing they would
be acceptable after the privations they had experienced on
the wreck.
About two hours after they landed, a ship was seen to the
eastward, standing direct for the island. Every face beamed
with joy, for they now thought their relief certain. As
darkness set in they collected wood, made a large fire on the
top of the highest hill, and hoisted the union-jack there to
attract her notice. They laid down to sleep on the sandy
beach, near high- water mark, confident that at daylight she
would send her boats to rescue them. But when morning
broke she was nowhere to be seen, and must have stood
away from the island during the night, notwithstanding their
signal.
In the course of the night the gig had landed with an
officer and fourteen men from the wreck, who luckily suc-
ceeded in bringing off with them some bags of rice and
biscuit, which were of great service in their present famished
condition.
<u
u
u
05
o
H
i-r»
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 157
The island of the Preparis, on which thej had been cast,
lies about sixty miles from the mouth of the Eangoon river ;
its length is about three miles, and circumfereuce about eight ;
it is covered with wood and jungle, and on the south side is
a sheet of fresh water, wherein they shot some ducks. At
first they were very tame, but after experiencing a few shots,
they became wild. They also shot a few sand-larks on the
beach, and saw many baboons, but as they were very large
and formidable, and they had but one fowling-piece, and no
shot large enough to make any impression on them, they
judged it prudent to let them alone. A variety of shell-fish
was found by searching among the rocks ; the smaller kinds
were palatable, but the larger were so exceedingly coarse and
oily as to sicken many of them, who had been for some time
without food.
Seeing that there was no prospect of relief otherwise, it
was determined, so soon as all the men were taken from the
wreck, and a proper set of sails could be made, to send the
long-boat to Eangoon, the nearest port, for assistance. Mean-
time the commanding officer assembled the men, encouraged
them to hope for the best, to be obedient to orders, and never
in any situation forget their duty and their discipline. Their
supply of provisions was inspected, and they were put on the
wretched allowance of half-a-biscuit, and half-an-ounce of
beef or pork a-day. All shared alike, however, and they
endeavoured to eke out this small pittance of food by wan-
dering about in search of such shell-fish, and other resources,
as the island afforded.
The weather still continued very moderate, and the long-
boat succeeded in bringing off another party of the men from
the wreck. Luckily the island lay directly in the track of
vessels bound to Eangoon, or coming from the eastward to
Calcutta, and they all continued tolerably cheerful in the
expectation of another ship again heaving in sight, of which
they kept a sharp look-out ; nor were they disappointed.
About eight, a.m., on the following morning, a vessel was
seen to the south-east, which proved to be the Po, from
Madras. The captain observing their signal, sent his boat to
the wreck, and carried twenty-seven men on board. She
continued oS' the island all day, but in the evening they lost
sight of her ; and afterwards found that in a second attempt
to bring off the sufferers from the wreck, the jolly-boat was
swamped from the rush they made into it, and two men
11
158 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
perished. The first mate, who commanded her, escaped but
was left on the wreck. This accident, and the dread of being
surprised by rough weather on so dangerous a lee-shore,
probably induced the captain to abandon the attempt of
rescuing any more of the party, and to make the best of his
way to the nearest port for further assistance. In the
morning, to their great disappointment, the vessel had
disappeared.
On the following day, however, a ship was seen in the
offing, which was supposed to be the same, and they sent off
the second-mate in the cutter, who found her to be, not the Po,
as they supposed, but the Prince Blucher, bound from China
to Bengal. On learning their situation, the captain imme-
diately stood in towards the scene of the shipwreck, and em-
ployed his boats in taking the remainder of the men from the
rock, on which they had now been exposed for five days, in a
situation the most perilous which can well be conceived, the
waves at high water almost covering the narrow ledge on
which they were crowded ; and even in that moderate weather,
scarce a tide passed without some of them being swept off by
the current. Had the weather been boisterous, or the tide
have risen higher than usual, their destruction must have
been certain.
During all this period they had not a morsel of food, but
the raw flesh of a cow which drifted to them from the wreck ;
and most of them, from the accident having taken place in
the middle of the night, were exposed almost in a state of
nudity to the burning rays of the sun. They were all much
cut and bruised by being frequently dashed against the rocks ;
but from the fortunate precaution adopted of tying themselves
to the rock whenever that was practicable, only nine men
were washed away out of 110 who landed on it : the rest, in
a state of great exhaustion, were carried on board the Blucher,
where they received every kindness and attention which
humanity could dictate from Captain Wetherall, who com-
manded her.
Towards evening they lost sight of the ship, and from the
conduct of the two other captains, they began to be uneasy
lest this one also should desert them. As night came on they
collected large quantities of wood, and kept a fire burning as
a signal Though the Blucher had been obliged, in order to
keep off the island, to come to anchor hull down, yet she fired
guns during the night in answer to their signals, and cheered
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 159
them with the assurance that, though unseen, she was still
near them. As soon as morning dawned she sent two boats
on shore with supplies of mutton, biscuit, beer, and wine ; a
most acceptable present, it may be supposed, to persons in
their famished state. Major MTherson and Doctor Brown
with the officers' ladies and children, pulled off in the Bluchers'
boat at eleven a.m., and those who were left behind amused
themselves by cooking and eating the provisions sent them
from the ship ; and the amplitude of their meal, which was
prolonged for several hours, with the joyous anticipation of
getting away from the island next day, put them all in high
spirits ; every dismal thought fled, and their previous suffer-
ings and privations were forgotten.
Notwithstanding their deliverance was to all appearance so
near, many of the poor fellows were doomed yet to encounter
s. long period of anxiety and privation. By five p.m., the
Blucher's boats had returned. The long boat was then
loaded with sick men, women, and children ; and in order
that the other boats might make more rapid progress, it was
arranged that the officers and men intended for embarkation
should walk to the extreme point of the island, which was
nearest the vessel, and be taken in there. On their arrival,
however, they had the mortification to find that the ship, in
consequence of having dragged her anchor and being very
nearly on the rocks, had been obliged to stand under weigh,
and stand out from the shore. It was, consequently, not
judged expedient to attempt the embarkment that night, and
the boats returned to the landing-place without taking them
on board.
At six o'clock the next morning they saw the ship at a
great distance to the eastward. The men, women, and
children were again embarked in the boats, and in about an
hour they started, three of the boats towing the long-boat ;
but as the sea was running very high, they made but little
progress, particularly those in the cutter, which contained
fourteen men, eight women, and nine children. Many of the
men were sickly, and could not pull, and they had but five oars.
By eleven o'clock they had weathered the eastern extremity
of the island, when all the other boats were able to make sail
towards the ship, which made frequent tacks towards them,
and picked them up ; but there being no sail in the cutter, a
strong wind and tide against them, and the men exhausted
with pulling, they speedily drifted to leeward among the
160 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
rocks and shoals, where the ship could not approach them^
and their situation every hour became more critical, as tha
wind was rising rapidly, and the sea breaking over them sa
as to require constant baling to keep the boat afloat ; and
there was not a drop of fresh water on board to refresh the
men, who were panting and worn out by excessive exertion.
The women and children, too, were in a most melancholy
state ; nor was it possible to keep them from drinking the
salt water, though it tended rather to increase than allay their
sufferings. About six o'clock they had neared the ship a
little, and all of them being very much exhausted by their
exertions, they hoisted a handkerchief as a signal of distress,
in the hope she would send boats to their assistance ; but as
it unfortunately happened, she was at this time dragging her
anchors, and in danger of running on the rocks, so that instead
of affording assistance, they had the disappointment of seeing
her set sail, and stand away from the shore. When she had
got clear of this danger, she shove-to, and as night was fast
setting in, and a heavy sea rising, they mustered all their
energies to reach her ; but when they had considerably les-
sened the distance, she was again under the necessity of
making sail, and standing away to avoid the rocks.
Darkness had now set in, and she was soon lost to their
sight ; the gale was increasing, and the sea beating over them
with redoubled fury. Their signal fire was now seen burning
on the island, and several of the men, in despair of reaching
the vessel, and of the boat living in such a sea, proposed
steering for the island in the direction of the fire ; but this
was firmly opposed, as there was but one safe landing-place in
the island, it was by no means likely they would be able to
make it in the dark ; and even if they did, it was only acces-
sible when the weather was fine and the water smooth ; con-
sequently, in such a gale as then blew, it could not be at-
tempted but with the certainty of destruction. It was
therefore determined to follow the ship and keep to sea, as
their only chance of safety : and fortunate it was that they
did so ; for about eight o'clock the Blucher hoisted a light
and sent a boat to their assistance, which soon brought them
along-side, and they all got safe on board, dreadfully exhausted,
as may be supposed, with pulling a heavy cutter from seven
in the morning, without a drop of water or a morsel of food.
All their sufferings were now, however, forgot ; the humanity
and attention shown by Captain Wetherall soon revived them :
THE FRANCIS AND CHARLOTTE. 161
and the women, who, an hour or two before, had been most
furious in their desire to return to the island, at all hazards,
were now loud in their expressions of gratitude that their
original course had so fortunately been maintained.
Their dangers were not, however, as yet at an end. There
were still about ninety Europeans and sixty Lascars on the
island, whom Captain Wetherall was determined, if possible,
to bring off with him; but towards midnight the gale in-
-creased, one of the long-boats astern was stove, and had to be
cut adrift, and one of the Lascars perished in her. Towards
morning the weather moderated, and the vessel again stood
for the island ; but at eight, p.m., another heavy gale came on,
accompanied with thunder and lightning. The ship was
carried rapidly towards the breakers, and it was only by a
press of sail they were enabled to clear them. In doing so,
however, several of the sails were blown into ribands ; the
foremast sprung, another of the boats lost, and they were
obliged to cut away one of their bower-anchors, which broke
loose from the lashing. The vessel was very light, and as the
sea broke very heavily over her, apprehensions were enter-
tained that she would go over on her beam ends. The Lascar
seamen became terrified and were of no earthly use ; and but
for the exertions of the soldiers on board she would have been
inevitably lost. Owing to the damaged state of the vessel, it
was not judged safe to remain any longer off so dangerous a
lee-shore in such tempestuous weather, and they were there-
fore reluctantly compelled to give up the prospect of rescuing
their comrades in misfortune, and steer directly for Bengal.
They arrived there in nine days, and immediately forwarded
a despatch to government announcing their shipwreck, the
sufferings they had undergone, and the necessity for im-
mediate relief to those that had been left behind. Lord
Hastiogs ordered two Company's cruisers to proceed instantly
to the island to bring them off, and with proper supplies of
provisions and clothing for their use. They were found, on
the thirty-sixth day after the shipwreck, in a very weak state.
Latterly there had been no shell-fish procurable, and the men
were too much exhausted to search for them at low water
with their usual diligence. They were desponding, too, of all
hopes of relief, from the apprehension that the Blucher had
perished during the gale, and that they would be left to die
of starvation. Several of them were in so exhausted a state
that they expired shortly after being taken on board the
162 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
cruisers, and the sudden change of diet from privation to
plenty, proved fatal to many others.
From the quantity of yards, masts, boxes, &c., which were
found on the sea shore at various parts of the island, it
would appear that many ships must have been wrecked upon
its dangerous coast, though probably none of the sufferers had
the same good fortune in escaping from it. In order to pro-
vide a supply of food for any who might encounter a similar
misfortune, the cruisers left a few goats, geese^ and fowls on
the island, which may probably increase, and afford the means
of sustenance to future sufferers. In remembrance of the
event a pole was stuck up at the landing-place, on which a
bottle was fastened, containing a piece of parchment with the
names of the sufferers interred on the island, the date of the
shipwreck, and final departure. The total number on board
the Francis and Charlotte at the time of her shipwreck was
as follows: —
Officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, camp-
followers, &c. 390
Lascars, forming the crew - - - - -110
Soldiers* wives, children, &c. - - . - 40
540
The precise number who perished cannot be accurately
stated from memory ; but considering their perilous situation,
it was much fewer than might have been expected. The
vessel luckily did not go to pieces till the sixth day after the
wreck, when the men were all removed ; and had not the
weather been remarkably moderate, during that period, she
could not have held together many hours, in which case the
greater number of those on board must inevitably have
perished.
This island of Preparis had nearly occasioned the shipwreck
of another corps. In 1826 the East India Company's ship
Ernaad, having on board the 45th Foot, and a number of
camp-followers, amounting in all to nearly 800 souls, struck
on one of the outer shoals of that island, when on her way
from Eangoon to Martaban, and it was only by the greatest
exertions that she was got off, and succeeded in reaching the
neighbouring port of Amherst Town. Strange to say, Lieut.
Smith, one of those who had been formerly wrecked on the
island in the 78th, was then on board as Lieutenant in the
DESTRUCTION OF NEW HOORN. 163
45th, and thus narrowly escaped being cast away a second
time on the same island in that remote quarter of the globa
DESTRUCTION BY FIRE OF THE
NEW HOORN,
IN THE EAST INDIES.
The N'ew Hoorn, a vessel of eleven hundred tons burden,
commanded by William Ysbrants Boutekoe, a Dutchman,
with a company of two hundred and six men, sailed from the
Texel on the 28fch of December, 1618. On the evening of
the 30th, they were in sight of Portsmouth, and passed Ply-
mouth on the following day with an east wind.
On January 1, 1619, they left the English coast; and a
strong gale rising from the south-west on the 4th, they were
obliged to lower their topmasts ; but the night proving still
more stormy, they reduced all sail and drove before the wind.
Three heavy seas broke over the vessel, covering the decks
with water. Many of the sailors exclaimed, " We are sinking,
we are sinking; the ports before are open." The captain
hearing these words ran to the forecastle, where, finding the
ports down, he encouraged the men by calling aloud to them
that they had nothing to fear ; and a man who had been sent)
below to examine the hold, reported that there was very little
water there. Speedy exertions were made to relieve the
vessel, but the chief source of embarrassment arose from the
seamen's chests floating between decks, which it was necessary
to break in pieces in order to facilitate the work. For several
successive days the tempest continued to rage with such in-
credible fury, that according to the captain's description, they
believed heaven and earth were about to meet, and the sea
was covered by fire. By the straining of the shrouds and
great rolling of the vessel, the mainmast was partly carried
away. Such was the violence of the shock that they at first
thought the whole was gone, and that, consequently, it would
be impossible to prosecute the voyage ; but allowing the vessel
to drive, they resorted to temporary expedients, and secured
the remainder of the mainmast when the storm abated.
164 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Directing their course towards the Canary Islands, a vessel
came in sight of them astern, crowding all sail to come up with
them ; they therefore lay-to, when she proved to be the New
Zealand, on a voyage from Flessingen to the East Indies.
She had not suffered any damage from the tempest, and they
endeavoured to keep up with her, though they were scarcely
able to hoist enough sail.
On the 23rd, another vessel came in sight, which, on nearing,
they recognized to be the New Enkhuysen, which had sailed
from Holland for India at the same time with the New Hoorn.
Keeping company they came in sight of the Canary islands,
expecting to obtain some refreshments at St. Anthony ; but
the fog preventing them from discovering that island, they
altered their course and arrived at Togo.
Having cast anchor they set about refitting the ship, and
sent a boat towards the shore, which was saluted by the
Spaniards with shot, upon which they weighed anchor and set
sail.
The other two vessels here parted company, and it was
some time before they rejoined the New Hoorn ; they related,
that having landed on the Isle of May, they were opposed
by the Spaniards, and obliged to retire with the loss of two
men.
Crossing the line they experienced calms with slight showers
and occasionally baffling winds, or sometimes the wind shifted
round to all points of the compass, so that they were detained
three weeks before they were able to get into the southern
latitudes. The wind being then in the south-east, they kept
a good look-out and endeavoured to pass the Abrolhos to
windward, which, after seeing the outermost rocks, they
happily succeeded in accomplishing. On this day, a double
allowance was served out with a pint of Spanish wine to each
man, and then they stood towards the islands of Tristan
D'Acunha. By observation they found that they were in the
same latitude, notwithstanding which they passed them
without coming in sight, and was then, by the shifting of the
wind, obliged to make for the Cape of Good Hope. The
weather, however, proving tempestuous, it was resolved by the
ship's council to pass without touching at the Cape; and,
accordingly, having plenty of provisions, and the crew being
in good health, they ranged along the coast of Natal They
had now been out five months, and the Enkhuysen being
destined for the coast of Coromandel, took leave of the New
DESTRUCTION OF NEW HOORN. 165
Hoorn and New Zealand, intending to pass south of the island
of Madagascar, and then get refreshments at Mayote. Soon
after this the New Zealand also parted company, steering two
points farther to the north, when the New Hoorn made the
best of her way to Madagascar.
By an observation, subsequent to the separation, they found
themselves in 23' south lat., at which time great sickness
prevailed in the ship ; forty were confined to their hammocks,
und many more complaining; the council therefore determined
to steer for St. Losie Bay, in Madagascar. On approaching
the island they could get no secure anchorage, on which the
captain went off in the long-boat to search for it ; but the
surf beat so heavy on the shore, that they were unable to
land to obtain any information ; and not having any prospect
of obtaining fresh provisions, he returned on board, to the
great mortification of the people : and then hoisting sail bore
away.
The number of the sick daily augmented, and several having
died, the survivors sent some of the officers to the captain,
humbly requesting that he would make for land. Upon this
he resolved to attempt gaining either the island of Mauritius,
or that of Mascarenhas ; and steering on a course between
them, they came in sight of the latter, and anchored near the
shore in forty fathoms.
The sick having learned that the long-boat, which had been
sent to the island, had returned with a number of turtle,
requested to be sent ashore ; but Heyn Eol, the supercargo,
would by no means consent to it, affirming that it was dan-
gerous, from the roughness of the sea. They nevertheless
persisted in their entreaties, and anxiously eolicited the cap-
tain to send them ashore ; who himself asked Heyn Eol for
permission, but received a refusal. The captain, however,
told him that he should do so, and be responsible for the
consequences. He accordingly supplied them with a sail for
a tent, oil, vinegar, and kitchen utensils, and two cooks to
dress their provisions.
They found a number of blue pigeons on the trees, so tame
that they caught them with their hands, and killed and roasted
two hundred the first day. They also procured many other
birds, such as grey paroquets, wild geese, and penguins.
Turtle were also so numerous that they took as many as they
<jhose.
A number of people were sent ashore to obtain fresh pro-
166 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
visions ; and eight of them detached on a fishing party ob-
tained various kinds of good fish, some as large as a salmon.
On conveying the water-casks to a small fresh-water river^
they found a wooden plank with an inscription, purporting
that Captain Adrian Maerts Block had been there with a
fleet of thirteen vessels, when on sending his boats ashore^
they were overwhelmed by the surf and their crews drowned.
From the palm-trees they extracted a mild and agreeable
liquor, which, with the abundance of fresh provisions of the
most luxurious description, contributed to the convalescence
of the sick so rapidly, that in a very short time all of them,
but seven, were able to return to the ship ; the others re-
maining till the vessel should be ready to sail.
Having refitted the ship without and within, opened the
ports for the admission of air, and fumigated the whole with
vinegar, the drum beat for the return of the people, and they
set sail. Though they had been twenty-one days on the
island, there were still some sick people on board, which
induced them to bear away for the island of Mauritius ; but
getting too much to leeward, they found themselves unable
to beat up.
They had still a long voyage before reaching Batavia or
Bantam ; the ship's council therefore resolved to steer for St.
Mary's Island, which lies opposite to the bay of Antongil, in
the island of Madagascar. Coming in sight of it, they stood
to the west, coasting round the island in six and eight fathoma
water, as clear as crystal, and they distinctly saw the bottom.
They were soon observed by the natives, who come on
board in small canoes, bringing apples, citron, rice and poultry.
They remained here some time trading with the natives for
cattle, sheep, and rice, in exchange for bells, spoons, and
knives ; and then, after heeling the vessel to clear her bottom,
they set sail standing for the straits of Sunda.
On November 19, they had reached the latitude of the
Straits, which lie 5° 30' south of the line, when they were
suddenly alarmed by the cry of " Fire ! " The captain im-
mediately came on deck and looked down the hatchways,
where he could not discover anything but the ste^^ard pouring
water into a cask. He instantly descended and asked the
steward where the fire was, on which he pointed to the cask.
It appeared that the steward had gone down with a candle
to fill his keg with brandy, that a small glass might be served
out to each person next morning, according to custom. While
DESTRUCTION OF NEW HOORN. 167
thus occupied, he had thrust his candle into the hole of a
cask on a tier above that from whence he drew the spirits,
and in removing it a spark fell exactly into the bunghole of
the other. The water which the steward had poured in,
prevented the captain from discovering the fire, and consider-
ing it extinguished, he returned to the deck. The fact un-
fortunately proved otherwise, and the flames rapidly reviving,
burst out the ends of the cask ; and, to add to the disaster,
the fire reaching a heap of coals which had been stowed under
the casks, set fire to them.
A second alarm ensued, and all hands ran hastily to the*
place, making great exertions to get the fire under, wiiich was
extremely difficult to accomplish, as there were four teirs of
casks above the other. They were also hindered by such a
thick and sulphureous smoke from the wet coal, that those
at the bottom were almost suffocated, and could scarcely find
the hatchways. In this emergency the captain proposed to
Heyn Eol, that they should throw the gunpowder overboard ;
but this he objected to, alleging that the fire might still be
extinguished. " Besides," he added, " if we throw away our
powder, how shall we defend ourselves against our enemies,
should we be attacked and taken ! We shall have no apology."'
The powder therefore remained.
In the meantime the rage of the devouring elements aug-
mented more and more, and as it was impossible to remain
down in the hold; the decks were scuttled, that greater
quantities of water might be poured down upon it, but all
was in vain.
The launch had been for the last three weeks astern of the
vessel, and now the yawl was also lowered down to clear the
decks. Alarmed at the dreadful appearance of the fire, with-
out the hope of succour, some of the crew began to desert
their posts ; quickly slipping along by the chain -wales, they
dropped down into the sea, endeavouring to swim to the
launch or the cutter.
Heyn Rol coming by chance into the gallery, was surprised
to see so many people in the boats. They cried to him that
they were about to cast off, and entreated him, if he meant
to accompany him, to lose no time but descend the stern
ladder. He did so, and then requested them to apprise their
captain, and wait for him; but they immediately cut the
painter and made away.
Captain Boutekoe, who knew nothing of all this, was exert-
168 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
ing himself to get the fire under, when a seaman came to
him, with tears in his eyes, saying, " Dear captain, what can
we now do, the launch and cutter have deserted us ? " " If
they are gone," the captain answered, " it is not to return ; "
-and hastened on deck, where he soon satisfied himself as to
the fact, and immediately hoisted all sail to run them down ;
but when within about three ship's lengths, they got the
weather-gage and escaped.
The captain then renewed his endeavours to encourage the
crew, telling them that, next to God, their trust must be in
themselves; and exhorting them to persevere steadily in
their exertions to get the fire under. In the next place he
ordered the powder to be thrown overboard, which they
instantly commenced doing; and ordered the carpenters to
bore holes with their augurs in the ship's sides, so as to let
in the water, in the hope of extinguishing the fire.
Nothing but sighs and lamentations resounded through the
vessel, while with unabated vigour they continued to pour
large quantities of water down the hatchways. In a short
time, however, the oil took fire, and the flames became more
and more furious, as they tried to conquer them. Their situ-
ation now became more desperate; consternation spread
among the crew : their exclamations of terror increased, until
beholding inevitable death approach with rapid strides, their
courage sunk into apathy. The captain was standing upon
deck, with sixty-five others, close by the main hatchway,
receiving the water in the buckets. Sixty barrels of powder
had been got overboard, but three hundred still remained ;
when the fire at length reached them, and the vessel blew up
with a terrific explosion, carrying with it one hundred and
nine human being. "A moment afterwards," the captain
relates, " not a creature was to be seen ; and, believing myself
launched into eternity, I exclaimed, ' Lord have mercy upon
mj soul.' "
Although stunned by the explosion, his senses had not
entirely forsaken him, so that seeing the mainmast and then
the foremast floating by his side, he gained the former ; and
fioon afterwards had the satisfaction of perceiving that he
was not alone, as another had also survived the wreck, and
was then near him on the floating fragment.
The sun went down soon after, leaving them destitute of
all prospect of succour ; and their only consolation lay in the
mercy of God.
DESTRUCTION OF NEW HOORN. iei>
Shortly afterwards they were agreeably surprised by the-
sight of both the launch and cutter, which met beside them.
The young man leaped boldly into the water, and swam to
the boat; but the captain was incapable of following his
example, from the wounds which he had received. The
trumpeter then threw out a rope, which he fastened round
his body, and being drawn towards them was taken into th&
boat.
The captain lay in a little recess, which had been formed
in the stern of the boat, and while there, Heyn Eol set the
men to the oars, and made them row all night. In the morn-
ing they saw no appearance of land, and they had left the
wreck where they might have obtained plenty of provisions^
as both meat and cheese were driving about in such quantities,
that they could scarcely get free from them.
The first thing was to examine their store of provisions^
which they found to consist of only seven or eight pounds of
biscuit. " Comrades," said the captain to them, " we must
follow another course, lay aside your oars, for your strength
will soon be exhausted." " What shall we do then ? " said
they ; on which he ordered them to make sails of their shirts,
by untwisting the cordage which they found about the boat,
and running it through the linen.
Forty-six persons were in the launch and twenty-six in the
cutter, being seventy- two in the whole. They drifted the
whole day, while occupied in making sails, and hoisted them.
towards night, when they steered by the stars as a guide,
though they could scarcely observe their rising or setting.
The seven or eight pounds of biscuit were distributed by
equal portions, daily, of the size of a man's finger ; but this^
could not last long among so many ; and they had nothing
whatever to drink, till, fortunately, there was a heavy shower
of rain, which they caught by means of the sails, using an
old shoe as a cup.
There still being no appearance of land, their hopes died
away, their misery daily increased, and the rage of hunger
urging them to extremities, they began to regard each other
with ferocious looks. The men, consulting among themselves^
secretly determined to devour the boys on board ; and after
their bodies were consumed, to draw lots who should next
suffer death, that the lives of the rest might be preserved, but
the captain approaching them said, " My friends, I pledge my-
self we are not far from land, let us put our trust in God and
170 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
he will send relief. The people answered that they had been
too long amused with such predictions, and that should they
not get sight of land in three days, the boys should be sacrificed.
They now became so enfeebled, that they could no longer
fitand upright. In this way they steered at random, until the
2nd of December, the thirteenth day after the disaster. All
the people had given up their shirts for sails, so that they were
almost naked, and were crowding close together to increase
their natural heat. The quarter-master had not been an hour
.s.t the helm, when the weather became clear and serene, and
he suddenly cried out, " Land, land ! " Universal joy was
disseminated, their strength was renewed, and, hoisting the
sails, they stood for the shore, which they reached the same
day. It proved to be an island where they found plenty of
^cocoa-nuts, but no fresh water.
Laying in a store of cocoa-nuts, they sailed, and the follow-
ing day came in sight of Sumatra, where they endeavoured to
.find a convenient place for landing, which the breaking of the
surf rendered dangerous; but four or five of the seamen
ventured to swim ashore. After traversing the beach some
time, they discovered the mouth of a river, and made signs to
those in the boat to come towards them. They did so ; but
finding a dangerous bar at the entrance, two of the men sat
.astern, one on each side, with an oar; and the captain being
at the helm, they attempted the passage. The first breaker
half-filled the boat, but some baled her out with their hats,
others with their shoes. The second wave almost over-
whelmed them, but, happily, the third broke short of the
boat, and they landed in safety.
They found fresh water and beans, and, at some distance,
the remains of a fire, which sight delighted them, as it showed
the island to be inhabited. As night approached they kindled
five or six fires, and posting sentinels in different directions
went to sleep. During the night they were disturbed by an
attack of the natives, who stole upon them in the dark ; but
an alarm beiug given, each man seized a firebrand, and rush-
ing upon the natives, soon put them to flight.
At break of day three of the natives were observed coming
<iown to the beach, and three of the seamen understanding
something of the Malay tongue, were sent towards them.
With the aid of these interpreters they purchased boiled rice
;and poultry, for eight crowns, which had been collected among
them. The captain then paid five crowns and a half for a
DESTRUCTION OF NEW HOORN. 171
buffalo, which proved so fierce and unmanageable that the
men could not catch it.
This proved the cause of another rupture, for four of the
men went in search of the buffalo that had been paid for.
In their absence, the party were fiercely attacked by the
natives, armed with sabres and shields. A vigorous resist-
ance was made, so that they were enabled to regain the launch,
with the loss of sixteen men — viz., twelve in the rencounter,
and four who had gone in search of the buffalo.
Having succeeded in crossing the dangerous bar in safety,
they stood out to sea, to prosecute their voyage. After sailing
some time, a storm rendered it necessary for them to take in
all the sails which they had spread over the launch for shelter,
and allowed her to drift until daybreak. The gale then abat-
ing, they discovered three islands, which they reached before
night, and found bamboos and palm trees, and, fortunately, a
good supply of fresh water.
While the people were engaged in traversing the island in
search of food, the captain ascended a high mountain in the
hope of making some discovery. The weather was clear and
serene, and looking round him in all directions, he saw two
great blue hills, and, at the same time, recollected to have
formerly heard from William Cornelius Schouten, an experi-
enced navigator, that there were two of that description on
the extreme point of Java. It was therefore evident, from
the straits of Sunda being between Java and Sumatra, that}
they were in the direct course. Prostrating himself on the
earth, he prayed Heaven still to be their guide, and gratefully
acknowledged the mercy they had hitherto experienced ; and,
transported with joy, hastened down the mountain to com-
municate the glad tidings to the rest. Impatient to depart,
the people were summoned, and they quitted what they called
Prince's Island.
About midnight they descried what was taken for a vessel
on fire, but, on nearer approach, the light proved to proceed
from a small island in the straits of Sunda, called Dwars in
de Weg. One of the seamen climbing up the mast, discovered
vessels at a distance, of which he counted twenty-three.
Their joy at this discovery can only be imagined, and instantly
they got out their oars for greater speed.
Frederick Houtman, who commanded these vessels, which
were Dutch, had seen them with a telescope from the quarter-
deck, and wondering at the singularity of their sails, sent out
172 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
a boat to ascertain what they were. They very soon recog-
nised the people in the boat, for they had left the Texel in
company, and separated in the Spanish sea.
After mutual congratulations, the captain and Heyn Eol
went on board Houtman's ship, which was called the Virgin
of Dordrecht. He ordered a table to be covered in his cabin
for them, provided them with clothes adapted to the climate^
and appointed a yacht to carry them to Batavia.
Here they found General John Peter Koen, to whom they
related the fatal accident which had destroyed the New Hoorn,
and the disastrous adventures that followed. He ordered an
attendant to bring wine, which having poured into a large
gold cup, he drank ; and presenting it to Captain Boutekoe^
said, " Captain, you are welcome ; you may consider that after
once losing your life the Almighty has restored it. To-morrow
I leave for Bantam, on maritime affairs ; but do you remain
here, and eat at my table until my return."
In eight days they were ordered to attend the general at
Bantam, where they found him on board the Virgin of Dor-
drecht. Calling the captain, he said, " Captain Boutekoe, you
may take the command of the ship Berger Boot, until further
orders." Two days after, he sent for Heyn Rol, and appointed
him supercargo of the same vessel, so that both resumed their
former employment in the same ship.
Loss OF THE BARRETT,
WATER-LOGGED ON THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
The Barrett of three hundred and fifty tons, commanded by
Capt. Faragar, and laden with timber for Liverpool, sailed
from St. John's, New Brunswick, on December 19, 1820.
While proceeding on her voyage, on Tuesday, the 2nd January,
in lat. 43 deg. N. long., 34 deg. W., at 8 p.m., it came on to
blow a heavy gale from the westward, and the vessel being
deep, the sea made a clear breach over her. They were
obliged to cut away the topsail-sheets ; but every exertion to
bring her to or before the wind proved ineffectual, and she
continued in the trough of the sea, the water pouring down
the companion, so that every moment they expected she would
THE LOSS OF THE BARRETT. 173
upset. The two pumps were constantly at work, but without
effect, the water still gaining upon them by the cabin. In
this state they continued until daylight ; when by this time
the water had reached the after peak, so that they gave up
pumping as being altogether useless. Eelieving-tackles were
put to the tiller, four men to each tackle, and two to the
wheel, to steer her as much as possible before the wind. The
sea now burst over the vessel with great force, and carried
away all the rails of the poop but a few to which ropes were
lashed, and to those they clung to save themselves from being
washed overboard ; for even the taffrail was wrenched up, and
washed away. They kept a reefed foresail, a main-staysail,
and trysail on her; but the forsail blew clean out of the
boltropes, and such was the weakness of the crew, from the
intense cold and their provisions being spoiled by the salt
water, that they were unable to clear the wreck. The gale
now blew with increased violence; and the sea running
mountains high, made a clear passage over the main deck,
broke the stern, and through the bends. The deck-timber,
consisting of large logs, was washed away, the ringbolts being
torn from the decks, and the stanchions broken down. The
vessel would have undoubtedly gone to pieces, had she not
been kept as easy as possible by steering before the wind.
Day after day they lay in this condition, till the captain fell
ill and took to his bed ; and very few, besides the mate, out
of sixteen persons, were able to crawl about. All hands had
been put on short allowance ; but, the wind lulling, the cook
contrived to light a fire, and they made two or three pretty
fair meals, and kept their course. It then fell calm with a
heavy sweU, and the vessel having but little above board to
steady her, her main and mizen-masts having gone by the
board, lay rolling in the trough of the sea ; their fire was put
out, and at last the foremast gave way, which they cut clear.
At length they were reduced to two ounces of bread and a
pint of water a man for twenty-four hours, with now and
then a little drop of spirits. Daily was their small allowance
diminished ; hunger and thirst began to make them quarrel-
some and look fiercely at one another. They had only a little
water and a few pounds of bread left, when the mate at day-
break went on deck, and they heard him shout " Sail, ho ! "
All hands immediately crawled up — even the captain got out
of his cot — making sure that deliverance was at hand. She
neared them fast. Faces that had not had a smile on them
12
174 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
for many days now again looked cheerfully — wrangling
ceased, and they congratulated each other on the prospect of
being snatched from death. They hoisted a signal of distress,
and the captain sent for them all down into the cabin, and
solemnly returned thanks to the Almighty for his merciful
interposition in their behalf.
As the stranger gradually came nigher, eager expectation
increased, and when she passed within hail, heard their
deplorable story, and promised to render them help, they tried
to raise a cheer, but it was more like the moaning of the wind.
They were so reduced that they resembled spectres more than
men, and could not muster sufficient strength to get the boat
out, as their stern-boat had been washed away ; so the master
of the brig promised he would send them his, and, being short
of provisions, what bread and water he could spare. This so
roused their energy, that they turned to at the pumps, and
by dint of hard labour, lightened her of a great deal of water,
till all hands became exhausted, and they were obliged to
give in.
Just at this instant the wind chopped round to the west-
ward and the strange sail stood away from them. Some of
them thought she was only keeping to windward — others
gazed in silence — yet none believed that she would leave
them altogether to perish, till they saw her making sail and
every hour lessening in the distance. When she was only
just seen like a dim speck upon the verge of the horison, then
arose wild cries and lamentations — then did disappointment
sink into unutterable despair — the mind gave way under the
sudden change — the men flew to the liquor, and got drunk ;
and whilst some were praying to the Almighty for deliverance,
others mingled their expressions of distress with oaths and
curses. It was a dreadful scene, as all they could muster
which was likely to appease hunger, consisted of part of a
bullock's hide, about four pounds of candles, and a gallon of
lamp-oil, the pump leather, and the captain's dog, reduced
almost to a skeleton, which, being a favourite, he had been
unwilling to kill till the last extremity ; but it being repre-
sented to the captain that they must all perish unless the dog
was killed for subsistence, and the animal being bled to death,
he directed Mr. Mac Cloud, the mate, to serve out every part
fairly and economically, which he did by dividing the blood
with a table-spoon, and the liver, heart, and kidneys were
divided into sixteen shares, and distributed for that days'
THE LOSS OF THE BARRETT. 175
subsistence. About this time, the captain, who had through-
out suppressed the expression of his sufferings, lest he should
intimidate the men, became deranged — rushed upon deck, bid
God bless his wife and children, spoke of the mutiny in the
ship, and used other incoherent language. He was prevailed
upon to go to his cot, where, after twenty-four hours of
insanity and suffering, he expired. The whole of the survivors
now became so weak, that only the mate, a robust young man,
and three others, could stand. They steered the vessel as
well as they could towards the east, the westerly gales still
prevailing. As they conjectured they had sailed since the
vessel became water-logged about six hundred miles, they
were in hopes of seeing the land of Ireland, or they would
have given up every exertion for preservation : but in the
afternoon it became more calm; and the wind suddenly
changing to the eastward, blighted all their hopes. They had
seen but one vessel during the whole passage ; and a glimpse
of hope rushing upon them that some one might fall in their
way, they made fast the tiller, and committed themselves to
the guidance of Providence. Every eatable was consumed ;
oandles, oil — all were gone ; and they passed the long dreary
stormy nights of sixteen and seventeen hours in utter dark-
ness, huddled together in the steerage, imploring the Almighty
to help them, yet feeling reckless of existence. Such was
their condition about the middle of January, and no one but
the mate paid the slightest attention to the vessel ; indeed
had she been laden with any other cargo, nothing would have
fiaved her ; but the timber kept her buoyant even after the
water had risen to the lower deck.
It was disheartening and melancholy in those dismal and
dreadful nights to hear the dashing of the waves as they
broke over them — the moaning of the pent-up wind in the
hold — the groaning of the vessel as she writhed between the
seas, and the howling of the gale as it swept above their heads
— all mingling in one terrible threat to send them to the
bottom ; and yet in the midst of all this, whilst the hand of
the Almighty was exhibited in power and in punishment,
men were setting all warning at defiance by getting beastly
intoxicated. It was truly a melancholy sight to see the poor
withering wretches dying by inches ; some like moving skele-
tons, and others with their flesh swelled and bloated as if
they had lived on plenty. Silently they all sat clutching
their hands and catching their breath, as if each had something
176 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to communicate and dared not give utterance to his thoughts
— then there was an indistinct muttering of doing the best
to save their lives, till it came to a question of what was
best?
At length one of them, bolder than the rest, addressed
them : — " Here we are, sixteen of us, perishing for food, and
what prospect is there before us ? Would not it be better '^
— and he stopped while his companions held their breath,
shuddering at what was to come next. " D — all ceremony ;
one must die that the rest may live." Agreed as to the
necessity, they could not decide as to the mode of choosing
the victim, till eager for the performance of their intentions,
and determined to put the matter beyond doubt, it was agreed
that the mate should prepare sixteen pieces of cord, fourteen
of equal length, one a little shorter, and another shorter still ;
whoever drew the first lot was to be clear, the second was
death, and the third the man who was to do the deed. The
cords were to be shoved through a crack in the bulk-head
from the steward's store-room, and each man was to draw his
yarn.
The awful moment approached that was to decide the fata
of one of them, and then there was a reluctance to draw, each
fearful of taking the cord that was to prove his death-warrant,
till the mate addressed them : — " My lads, let us wait till to-
morrow, before we proceed further ; we have endured thus
far, and a few hours longer cannot make much difference :
who knows what Providence may have in store for us." This
proposition was at length assented to, although many were
eager for an immediate decision.
Darkness came on ; they had caught no fish, nor seen any
prospect of help, so that another daylight would be the last
that was to dawn upon a shipmate who was then unknown,
though each might fancy it would be himself. It was a
dreadful night — a night of tears and lamentations ; and ere
another sun had risen, two of them had met the fate they so
much dreaded the night before.
Hardly could a question be asked as to their future pro-
ceedings to obtain sustenance for their famished bodies, when
some of the men were observed coming forward with lumps
of flesh half-roasted and half raw, which they tore with their
teeth like dogs ; and quarrelled and fought to get near the
grate; and though their very souls loathed the disgusting
banquet, the gnawings of hunger overpowered all other sen-
THE LOSS OF THE BARRETT. 177
eations, and each chewed the revolting remains, though they
did not swallow it.
The fearful consequences of their subsisting on such un-
natural food were too soon apparent, their limbs swelled and
broke out into dreadful wounds, their eyes glared with un-
usual ferocity, and during the following night death mercifully
released two more of them from their sufferings, leaving
twelve miserable beings on the wreck of this unfortunate
vessel.
The gale now increased heavier and heavier, the sea rolled
over them, washing away the boat and sweeping everything
from the deck. Death seemed certain; the vessel, though
sound, could not resist the constant buffeting of the waves,
-and began to break up. They had no canvas abroad, for it
was all blown to shreds ; and no one kept the deck, so that
fihe lay on the waters like a huge coffin freighted with living
skeletons. — Sometimes one or another would drag up their
tortured limbs just to look round, but despair began to prevail.
The hold was filled with water up to the beams, and the
timber with which she was laden becoming heavier by constant
immersion, they were soon up to their knees in the steerage.
The yarns with which the fate of one of them was to have
been decided still remained in the crack of the bulk-head,
and often would their eyes wander to them as a sort of fixed
point There were the dead bodies, but they thought of the
malady by which they died, and they were left untouched.
Hour after hour succeeded in pain and grief, with tribulation
and bemoaning, as memory pictured past enjoyments, which
they valued not at the time ; and then there were agonising
cries for mercy, till their throats were swelled and parched,
while before their eyes were the blackening corpses with
which they were compelled to hold companionship, from very
inability to remove them.
It was in the afternoon of the succeeding day, when they
were huddled together, each one expecting the next minute
to be his last, that the man who had been left upon deck came
down : there was a wildness in his eye, and he seemed gasping
for breath, that they thought he was mad. He held a spy-
glass in his hand, and stood holding on by the table and
trembling till at last he burst out crying like a child. " What
is it ? Speak, speak ! " cried the mate. " A sail ! " replied the
man. Each hurried upon deck as well as he could, and then
the stranger was plainly seen, standing apparently towards
178 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
them. They knew he could not help seeing them, and yet
it was not unlikely he might take their vessel for a deserted
wreck, and so not come to their rescue. Dreadful were the
horrors of that suspense, for the wind was light, and in a few
hours more it would be dark. They tried to shout, but their
hollow voices died away sullenly on the waters ; they had nc
ensign, or signal-haliards to hoist anything by, and they were
afraid the stranger would not see them on the deck. In this
emergency the second-mate emptied a powder-flask on the
windlass, and then firing a pistol into it, it exploded, making
a thick smoke which curled high over their heads.
In a few minutes they observed the stranger hoisting her
ensign. It is impossible to describe their joy at this welcome
sight ; not a soul spoke, but every man dropped on his knees,
and the great Searcher of hearts heard the silent prayer of
gratitude. The ship altered her course, but before she could
get near enough to hold a communication, the daylight was
rapidly declining; it fell calm, and in a short time it was
dark. There was a sudden change from joy to torturing
anxiety ; but before another hour had elapsed a boat was
alongside. The miserable sufferers were obliged to be lifted
in, one by one, and the sea was so rough that the boat had to
make several trips to rescue all the survivors.
The wreck was of course abandoned, being then in lat. 45
deg. N., long, 28 deg. W., a very great distance from any land.
It was providential that the wind changed to the eastward,
which threw this vessel in their way, as she would otherwise
have passed them during the night. She proved to be the
Ann, of New York, Captain Crocker, bound to Liverpool, at
which port she arrived on Friday, February 23rd, 1821, a
week after taking the sufferers from the wreck ; who, during
the time, with the exception of one or two, were unable ta
rise from their hammocks. They were all of them so very
Keak and emaciated, having their limbs also broken out in
Alcers, owing to the continued action of the salt water, that
they were unable for some weeks, although treated with the
greatest attention, to pursue their perilous vocation. The
captain left a wife and five children in Liverpool to deplore
their melancholy bereavement.
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 179
DREADFUL SUFFERINGS OF
CAPTAIN WOODARD
AND COMPANIONS,
IN THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO.
In the year 1791 Captain Woodard sailed from Boston, in
America, in the ship Kobert Morris, commanded by Captain
Hay, belonging to Mr. Eussel, of Boston, and bound for the
East Indies. Upon his arrival in India, he was employed in
dififerent country ships, till the 20th of January, 1793, when
he sailed from Batavia as chief mate, in the American ship
Enterprise, commanded by Captain Hubbard, and bound for
Manilla.
In passing through the straits of Nacassar the wind was
northerly, with a current to the south, and both of them being
adverse the ship was obliged to beat up for six weeks, during
which time she fell short of provisions ; but perceiving a vessel
at the distance of about four leagues, Captain Hubbard directed
Mr. Woodard to take the boat and go on board and purchase
some. This was on the 1st of March, at about half-past
twelve, they being then in about nine degrees south latitude.
There were in the boat, besides Mr. Woodard, five seamen, two
of whom were Americans, two English, and one Scotchman ;
their names were William Gideon, John Cole (a lad), Archibald
Millar, Robert Gilbert, and George Williams. They had on
board the boat neither water, provisions, nor compass, having
only an axe, a boat-hook, two pocket-knives, a useless gun,
and forty dollars in money. They reached the ship about sun-
set, a strong squall then blowing from the land, accompanied
by heavy rains, which hindered them from seeing their own
ship. Mr. Woodard immediately applied to the captain of the
ship for a supply of provisions, but was told that he had barely
sufficient to last him the remainder of his voyage to China ;
but as it was by this time quite dark, the captain invited them
to stay on board, to which Mr. Woodard the more readily
consented as there was not much chance of finding their own
vessel in the dark.
During the night it rained very hard, with a full, fresh
breeze from the southward. In the moruirg they were in the
180 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
same place, the land bearing the same as on the preceding
evening ; but of the Enterprise, the ship Mr. Woodard had left,
there was not a vestige to be seen, even from the mast-head,
and the wind then blowing fair for her to go through the straits
of Macassar.
As the ship they were on board of was bound for China,
and was then making the best of her way thither, Mr. Wood-
ard thought the most prudent course he could adopt would be
to leave the ship without any further delay, and proceed in
search of their own. For this purpose he called the sailors and
had the boat hauled up, which was then laying astern ; and
having got all their things into her, he asked the captain for
twelve musket-cartridges, which was given to him ; the cap-
tain also ordered them a round bottle of brandy, but neither
water nor provisions of any sort. Upon leaving the ship they
continued their course to the south, in the hope of getting
sight of their own vessel again ; and after rowing and sailing
till twelve o'clock at night, they landed on an island to get
fresh water, and made a large fire so that their ship might
see it. In the morning they went to the highest part of the
island, but couli see nothing of the vessel; and not having
found any water or provisions, they left the island and con-
tinued their course down the middle of the straits for six days
longer, without going on shore or tasting either food or drink,
except the bottle of brandy. A heavy squall coming on from
the south-west, obliged them to keep the boat before the wind ;
and when the storm abated, they had the Celebes shore clearly
in sight. They all agreed to go on shore in search of provisions,
and then to proceed to Mac£issar, which they judged to be
about three degrees to the southward. After rowing all day
and nearly all night, they came near the shore, but not think-
ing it prudent to land at night, they waited until morning,
when, observing two proas close under the land, they steered
towards them with great joy ; but as they drew near, they
found the people on board putting themselves into a posture
of defence, lashing their proas together, and getting large
bundels of bamboo spears upon deck. Overcome with hunger
and fatigue, they were still not discouraged, but coming up
alongside, Mr. Woodard told them he wanted to buy provision s.
To this request, which was made intelligible by signs, they
replied that they would grant some, and asked where their
ship was ? and was answered that she was a little distance at
sea ; when the Malays, perceiving that they had no arms in
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 181
the boat, put on their cresses or steel daggers, about two feet
long and a little waved towards the point.
Mr. Woodard still continued to solicit them for provisions,
-either Indian corn or cocoa-nuts which they refused. Three
of the men jumped on board the first proa, to beg some Indian
corn, and got three or four small ears : at the same time Mr.
Woodard ofifered a doUer for two cocoa-nuts ; but after having
received the dollar, the chief refused the cocoa-nuts, and
jumping with another man into the boat, pulled up Mr. Wood-
ard's shirt to feel for money, holding his drawn dagger over
him ; when Mr. Woodard, finding himself in so much danger,
took up his small axe to defend himself, and ordered the man
in the bow to cast off the boat : the two Malays observing this,
made towards their own proa. Before she was clear, the chief
reached a pistol from the stern of his own proa to shoot at
them; but the boat being just then in the act of casting off,
he was obliged to leap into his own proa, when he took up a
musket and presented it at them, but fortunately it missed
fire. As every moment now increased their distance, the
boat got some way off before the chief could fire, which he
•did without execution.
They now directed their course towards the shore, where
Mr. Woodard landed with one man, leaving the others in the
boat. Soon after, both the proas came to an anchor, and sent
on shore six hands, completely armed, in canoes. Mr. Wood-
ard immediately ran to the boat and shoved her off when the
Malays cried out that they had some Indian corn for them ;
but the intention of the Malays being evidently to detain
them to take possession of the boat and massacre the crew,
they stood off, went about four miles to the northward, round
a point of land, and landed out of sight of the proas, where
there were a great number of cocoa-nut trees. Mr. Woodard
went on shore with three hands ; but not been able in their
weak state to climb the trees, he was obliged to have recourse
to his axe, with which they cut down three trees for a sea
stock. Being now quite tired, Archibald Millar gaid that he
would go down and take care of the boat, and let one of the
men in it, who could handle the axe, come to his assistance.
Both of them joined the party on shore, while Millar stayed
in the boat. They had scarcely cut down the fourth tree,
when they heard Millar scream in a strange and agonising
manner. Upon their arrival at the beach, they saw their
boat off at some distance, full of Malays; but seeing nothing
182 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of Millar, they ran to the water's edge, and supposing him to
be in the boat, called to him. As they could get no answer,,
they supposed that the Malays had carried him off with all
their little stores in the boat, which was their only means of
escape. What was their horror, on turning round, to see the-
poor fellow close at their feet, lying on his back at the edge
of the water, with his throat cut ; one cut on his right side
between the ribs, and another on his right leg.
Mr. Woodard and his four men now fled into the woodSj
where they concealed themselves among the dry leaves the
greater part of the day. They now found themselves doubly
beset ; the day-time was not safe to walk about, as they heard
people on all sides, and at night they were in danger of wild
beasts, of losing their way, and were destitute of the mean&
of furnishing themselves with subsistence. They, however,,
agreed to travel by night, and accordingly set out about eight
o'clock, taking a star for their guide, bearing south. They
soon lost sight of the star, and at daylight, when they
imagined that they had walked about fifteen miles, they
found themselves within a few roods of the place whence they
had set out the preceding night, which was owing to their
having gone round the mountain instead of over it. On the-
following night they again set out for Macassar, but not
trusting to a star, they kept by the sea-side, and continued
so for six successive nights, retiring each day into the woods
for shelter.
On the sixth day from the loss of the boat, and th&
thirteenth from their leaving the ship, the men were become
very faint, hungry, and weary, having had no provisions sinco
they left the ship, and only now and then a little water from,
the hollows of trees, and a few berries when they could find
any. Their feet were also very sore, being without shoes, and
their bodies severely torn by briars and brambles.
In the morning they came to a mountain by the side of a
deep bay, where they remained all day. At noon they per-
ceived many of the Malay inhabitants fishing in the bay at
a little distance. Soon afterwards, Mr. Woodard, taking a
walk along the banks, found a yellowish-looking berry, about
the size of a currant, hanging in little bunches, and finding
them very palatable, he carried his hat full to his unfortunate
companions, who did not like them ; but three of the men
began eating the leaves of bushes. In the evening they were
attacked with violent vomitings and pains in their bowels.
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 183^
and all night were crying out through torture. In the
morning they appeared more like corpses than men; but
Mr. Woodard did not dare pity them for fear of depressing-
their spirits. He then went in search of water for them, and
soon found about a pint in the hollow of a tree, which he
gave them to suck through a reed, giving each three mouths-
ful, until the whole was consumed. Being now convinced
that they were unable to proceed any further, Mr. Woodard*
asked if they were willing to surrender themselves to the
natives ; to which they all with one voice consented, excepting
the American lad John Cole, who, on his knees, entreated
them to stay in the woods, saying he would rather die there
of hunger than be massacred by the inhuman Malays. In
order to preserve authority and create some degree of con-
fidence, Mr. Woodard roughly called him a fool, and directed
him to follow ; which he did, though very reluctantly. They
now thought it most prudent to hide their weapons in the-
ground, viz. their boat-hook, the axe, two pocket-knives, and
a dollar, which they hid by the side of a large tree ; and then
proceeded to the bay, where they had seen the Malays in
the morning, to meet their fate or to find friends. However,,
on their arrival at the beach, they did not see any one ; for
the tide being up, the natives had all gone away. They
immediately walked on until they came to a path, when,,,
ascending a few steps on the banks, they perceived three girls
fishing in a brook, who, on seeing them, ran away up the path.
They followed them for some distance, and then sat down on
the trunk of a large tree to await the event of their departure.
In about a quarter of an hour, they observed three men
coming towards them by the same path which the girls had
gone, when Mr. Woodard, immediately rose to meet them,
desiring the men to sit still. He proceeded towards them
alone, until he had approached them within a short distance^
when they stopped and drew out their cresses or knives. He
still advanced without hesitation till within about two yards^
of them, when, falling on his face, he earnestly begged for
mercy. For some minutes they looked stedfastly at him,
with their knives drawn, when one of them, putting up his
cresse, came towards him, and kneeling in the same manner,,
offered Mr. Woodard both his hands, which he acknowledged
by doing the same. By this time about twenty of the
natives assembled and commenced stripping him ; they took
off his hat and handkerchief, and, thinking them to be money,.
184 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
-cut the buttons off his jacket. His four companions had by
this time come up, and they were treated in the same manner.
They were now completely at the mercy of the natives
whom they entreated, as well as they could do by signs, for
-something to eat, on which they immediately supplied them
with five green cocoa-nuts ; and then taking them to a town
called Travalla, carried them to the court-house or judgment-
hall. They were placed near the judgment-seat, accompanied
by a vast concourse of people, including women and children,
who made a circle at some distance from them, having never
before seen a white man in that place. Here they waited for
the chief or rajah of the place, who made his appearance in
about half an hour. He was about six feet high, tall, straight,
and well made. On his entrance he looked as wild as a mad-
man, flourishing in his hand a large crease, the blade of
which was two feet and a half long, and very bright. His
■only apparel was a small pair of short breeches, a girdle round
his waist, and a red hankerchief on his head. On coming
within the circle of men and women he made a stop, when
Mr. Woodward immediately rose and went to meet him. The
•chief fixed his eyes steadfastly upon him, and though the
other begged for his life, he neither spoke a word nor altered
his position, Mr. Woodard then approached so near, that he
took the chief's foot and placed it on his head as a token of
submission. The chief then went to his judgment-seat, when,
assembling his ofi&cers round him, they held some consultation;
after which he rose from his seat to go to his own house,
which was at no great distance, and soon returned with five
pieces of betel nut, which the natives chew instead of tobacco.
He presented each of them with a piece, as a token of friend-
ship, and then ordered them some cocoa-nuts.
By this time the day was nearly spent, and their minds a
little more at ease, after the dangers and alarms they had
gone through. They now retired to rest, and they slept
quietly till about eight o'clock ; when they were conveyed to
a room in the rajah's house, where a supper of sago-bread and
peas was provided for them, but the quantity so small, that
one man might have eaten the whole of it. They, however,
.shared it amongst them, and then again lay down to sleep.
After being examined a second time by a number of strange
Malays, who, having been out of the town, had not seen them
before, they were again awakened at daylight by a large con-
<jour6e of women and children, who filled the house till near
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 18^
noon. All this time they had no victuals; they therefore
asked the chief, who sent them some cocoa-nuts and Indian
corn — the allowance for each man being a cocoa-nut and an
ear of Indian corn at noon, and the same at supper. They
lived in this manner for about twenty days, but were not?
allowed to go out of the house except to bathe.
Upon being informed that they were English, an old man,
one day brought them a Mahomedan priest, whose name was-
Tuah Hadjee. He could speak a few words of English, some
Portuguese, and some words of the Moorish language. He
had been at Bengal and Bombay on his way to Mecca, and
had with him a certificate from Henry or John Herbert, the
governor of Balambangan, in the island of Borneo, dated 1771>
tx) certify that he was a trusty good man, and was empowered
by the governor to assist all distressed Englishmen, and con-
vey them to an English port.
Tuan Hadjee asked whence they came; to which Mr.
Woodard answered, from Bengal, and last from Batavia. The
priest immediately asked the rajah what he should give for
them; but the rajah replied that he would not part with
them. — Tuan Hadjee then offered one hundred dollars in gold-
dust, but was refused ; on which he left them, and said that
he would go to the head rajah about them.
They were now kept close prisoners, and constantly guarded
by two persons, in which situation they were detained for
al30ut a month, when provisions growing scarce, they were
taken into the woods by two at a time to make sago- bread ;
and after working all day without anything to eat, the Malays
would scarcely give them enough for supper.
After a few months they were permitted to walk about the
town, or wherever they pleased ; but a good watch was kept
over them during the night. One day, as they were upon the
sea-shore, having been about four months at Travalla, they
discovered their own boat without sails, but full of Malays,
who came on shore. Mr. Woodard asked them where they
were going ; they told him " To the king or head rajah ; " but
the Malays were very cautious not to allow them to approach
the boat, but ordered them off into the town ; and in the
course of the evening the boat disappeared.
Finding it was the intention of the Malays to keep them
unless they should receive a large sum for their ransom, Mr.
Woodard most earnestly inquired where the old priest was to-
be found, who had visited them on their first arrival ; and
186 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
After some entreaty, ascertained that he lived in the town of
Dungally, about eight miles distant. In the course of eight
ononths from their arrival, there came a proa from Dungally
to Travalla, to purchase cocoa-nuts of the captain, of which
Mr. Woodard made particular inquiries concerning the old
man. — About the same time the head rajah, who lived at
Parlow, at the bottom of a bay of that name, sent for them,
.and they were accordingly conveyed thither. Two of them,
who were sick, were carried round in a proa, while Mr.
Woodard and the other who travelled by land, attended by
the rajah of Travalla, and guarded by five men on horseback
sand one on foot. They set off in the morning, and at night
arrived at their journey's end, where they were supplied with
A warm supper of a little rice and greens.
On the third day they were conducted to the head rajah,
ivho, after looking at them for some time, sent for a musket
for each of them, and asked if they understood the use of
them ; and not knowing the object of the inquiry, Mr. Wood-
.ard replied in the afifirmative. They were lodged in a large
hiouse open all round, which was very warm in the day, but
the nights were so cold from the damp fogs, owing to the low
situation of the town, that Mr. "Woodard caught a violent cold,
'which turned to fever and ague ; but was still kept in the
cold house without clothes.
In the course of a few days, the head rajah. Tommy Ganjoo,
provided a house for Mr. Woodard and his companions, who
•were conducted to it. Mr. Woodard being sick, was obliged
to be carried, and was accompanied by a large concourse of
young females, who kindled a fire and boiled some rice for
him. Soon after his removal the fever began to abate, and
in a few days the head rajah sent to a Dutch port called
Priggia, which is at the head of an extensive deep bay at the
>«ast side of ihe island, under the care of the commandant ;
who in a few days arrived at Parlow, and sent for Mr. Wood-
ard, and asked him to go to Priggia, where he resided. Mr.
Woodard found him to be a Frenchman, who had been thirty
years in the Dutch service, and refused his request, as he was
.apprehensive they would force him into the Dutch service ;
but the Frenchman did not offer a penny, assistance, or clothes,
to Mr. Woodard or his people.
Finding that it was not their intention to send them away,
.Mr. Woodard went to the head rajah, and asked his per-
anission to go to Travalla, as a proa was then lying there
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 187
destined for that place, urging his wish to bathe a few days
in salt water. To this the rajah consented, but enjoined the
<;aptain of the proa not to let Mr. Woodard get a sight of
Dungally on his way, as he had heard that the priest had
been inquiring for the captives. It fortunately happened
that, as they passed Dungally in the middle of the night,
they were becalmed, which enabled Mr. Woodard to get a full
sight of the town, and carefully observe the situation of it.
In the course of the following day they arrived at Tra valla,
where his whole ideas were bent upon running away to Dun-
gally. By constantly begging for Indian corn, which he care-
fully concealed under his pillow, and soon after changing his
diet, he lived upon the corn he had thus acquired, which con-
siderably improved his strength. He also provided himself
with a bamboo spear, and although he was guarded by three
men and two women who kept in the house with him, he arose
about twelve o'clock one night, and finding his guards asleep,
took his spear, and leaving the house, directed his course to the
sea-shore, where, finding a canoe on the beach, he immediately
launched it and set off. After reaching about a quarter of a
mile from the shore, the canoe became so leaky, that it was
nearly half filled with water. — Alarmed at this accident, for
he could not swim, and finding it impossible to reach to any
distance in her, he rowed back, when, just as he made the
«hore, the canoe filled, and sunk in five feet water.
He returned immediately to the town, where, finding every
thing quiet, and that he had not been missed, he directed his
•course for Dungally by land ; and after traversing through
woods and over mountains, and passing by two villages, he
reached Dungally as the day dawned. He proceeded towards
the middle of the town, and not seeing any person stirring,
seated himself on a log of wood. In the course of half an
hour, he observed a man come out of the public building
which was near him, who proved to be the servant of the old
priest, of whom he was in search. The man ran back, crying
out " Puta Satan ! Puta Satan ! " meaning a white devil ; but
one of the men who had seen Mr. Woodard at Tra valla, came
running out, and taking him by the hand, called him steersman
•or mate, and conducted him to his friend Tuan Hadjee, who
was greatly rejoiced at meeting with him. The old priest
behaved very kindly to him, gave him plenty to eat, and
bought him some linen for a shirt, jacket, and a pair of trousers,
which he made himself, and were the best clothes he got there.
188 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
In the course of three days, the chief of Travalla, havnig:
learned that he had gone to Dungally, sent after him ; but
the old priest and the rajah of Dungally refused to let him
go, nor was he willing to return.
The priest and the rajah now informed Mr. Woodard that,
in the course of three months, they would convey him tO'
Batavia or Macassar, desiring him at the same time to send
for the four men he had left at Parlow. The old priest
supplied him with a slip of paper, and with a pen made of
bamboo ; he wrote a letter to the men, and sent it by the
captain of a proa bound thither, with orders to give it to them
secretly. This commission he faithfully executed, and, in
about five days, to their extreme joy, all the men arrived at
Dungally.
After staying for some time at Dungally, during which
some skirmishes took place between the inhabitants and a
party sent from Parlow, and their friend Tuan Hadjee being
called away to a distant part, Mr. Woodard determined to
steal a canoe, and to endeavour to make their way to Macassar,
which was about four degrees to the southward ; and for this
purpose went to work in the woods to make paddles, at the
same time begging Indian corn to lay in a stock of provisions
to carry with them. The old priest being on the point of
starting on his journey at midnight, they followed him to the
gate without telling him of their intentions, but when the
man who kept the gate asked where they were going, said
that they were accompanying the old priest to Sawyah, to
make sago, when they were permitted to pass, and the gate-
was immediately shut.
By the time they gained the beach, he had just gone on
board the proa, when, observing a large canoe at hand, and
having the paddles which they had made lying in the woods,
they immediately launched the canoe and put to sea, accom-
panying the proa for a short distance ; but daylight coming
on obliged them to make the opposite shore to prevent being
discovered.
They set off again at sun-set, and had resolved to put up a
sail made of a mat ; but one of them stepping on the edge of
the canoe to hoist up the mast, turned the boat keel upwards,
and they all fell into the water. They however managed to
tow her to shore, where they baled her out, and having dried
their clothes and warmed themselves by a fire which they
rekindled, they again set off and rowed and paddled all night.
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 189
In the morning they discovered a proa close to them, which
immediately took possession of them. Mr. Woodard informed
the Malays that they were bound with the old man to Saw-
yah ; upon which they carried the captives to him instead of
to Dungally, which was a lucky escape for that time. He
informed Tuan Hadjee, whom they met at Sawyah, that their
intention was not to run away, but to follow him, and they
continued with him there a considerable time.
Finding after some time that there appeared to be no
likelihood of being able to get to Macassar, they came to the
resolution to steal a canoe, and attempt to go there. They
accordingly made five paddles, and after saving the rice which
had been given them as a reward for beating it, till they had
collected five or six quarts, they formed the project of stealing
the rajah's canoe, which was a very good one ; but he, perhaps,
suspecting their design, ordered it to be drawn up nearer to
his own house, at some distance from the sea.
Fortunately, however, a pirate's proa came that day into
the river, up to Tombooa, and she had a very fine canoe. Mr.
Woodard went immediately to borrow it to go fishing with,
and having caught several fish, which he shared with them,
he asked for the canoe to fish again at night, but they refused,
intimating that they might use it in the day-time, but not at
night. However, in the dead of the night, when everyone
had retired to sleep, Mr. Woodard came out of the house and
directed his course to the proa, where the canoe lay, having
left orders with the men that, if he succeeded in seizing it,
they were to come round to the beach, which was not far off.
He succeeded in the attempt, and was joined by the four men,
who brought with them their small stock of effects.
They directed their course to a small island about three
leagues distant, where they landed at daybreak; but not
being able to procure any water there, they removed to a
point of land where they knew there were no inhabitants.
Having obtained a little water, and repaired the canoe, they
directed their course southwards towards Macassar.
After being three days at sea, there came on a strong wind
from the southward, by which they were nearly lost ; and,
unfortunately, just as they were going to land, they discovered
a proa at no great distance, rowing towards them with all
their might. They immediately tacked, and stood off, but the
proa soon got up her sails, and coming close alongside, asked
them whither they were bound. Mr. Woodard answered that
13
190 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
they were bound to Macassar ; when the Malays in the proa
said that they must come back, and ordered them on board.
Mr. Woodard perceiving that she was weakly manned,
having only five, their own complement of hands on board,
they were determined not to be taken ; all hands therefore
turned to, and rowed directly to windward. The proa at first
attempted to follow them, but soon changed their intentions,
got up their sails again, and ran in shore.
The wind still blowing very strong, they resolved to go on
shore at a distance from the proa, and being desirous also of
avoiding any inhabitants, and after a good look-out not per-
ceiving any, they went on shore at a place called Tranamare,
about ten or twelve leagues to the south of Travalla. On
going ashore one of the men unfortunately broke his paddle,
and on getting a stick to mend it, was seized by two Malays,
who brought him to the canoe. Mr. Woodard, to his great
surprise recognised one of them to be the captain of the proa
that had taken him from Parlow to Travalla.
They left that place in the evening, and a storm coming on,
passed the proa that had chased them in the morning, and
rowed all night along shore. After several days' voyaging,
endeavouring to find their way to Macassar, and getting neai
to several proas, with whom they avoided too close a contact,
just as the sun was setting one evening, they perceived a proa
full of men set ofif from the shore ; she rowed very fast and
soon came alongside, and they were once more taken prisoners
by the Malays, four or five of whom jumped into the canoe,
by which she was nearly overset, and told them that they
must immediately go to the rajah, who had sent the proa after
them.
Overpowered by numbers, they were obliged reluctantly to
submit ; they were taken to the town of Pamboon, where
they were stripped and then conducted to the rajah, by whom
they were questioned as to where they came and whence they
were going, and also whether they understood a musket ; and,
showing Mr. Woodard a hundred of them, wanted him to stay
and take charge of them. Grown almost desperate by their
long continuance of misfortunes, and reckless of danger, Mr.
Woodard answered him boldly, that they were bound to
Macassar, that they did not understand a musket, which was
only known to a soldier, and that he would not remain there.
The next morning he again waited upon the rajah, and, as
lie could now speak the Malay tongue well, he begged the
CAPTAIN WOODARD'S SUFFERINGS. 191
rajah to send them to Macassar, assuring him that the governor
had sent for them, and that if they were detained, all the
rajah's proas would be stopped at Macassar. After some
consideration, he gave orders for the captain of a proa to take
them, and if possible to get something for them ; but if not,
he might leave without.
After waiting some days till the proa was ready, they left
Pamboon, which is about ninety or a hundred miles from
Macassar, and belonging to a tribe called Tramany. In the
course of three days they arrived at a small island called Sam
Bottom, within about nine leagues of Macassar, where they
were left two days on board the proa, not being allowed to go
on shore. Mr. Woodard desired George Williams to go on
shore, and if they refused him, to swim or steal a canoe, and
to inform the rajah that Mr. Woodard was on board the proa
and very ill. Upon receiving this information, the rajati sent
his son on board the proa with a note to the captain, by whom
the prisoners were instantly released. The rajah, on their
going ashore, ordered them some food, and a proa to be got
ready that afternoon, to convey them to Macassar.
They set off just before night, but did not reach Macassar
until the following. They landed on the 15th of June, 1795,
after a voyage of nineteen days from Tombooa, and after
having been in captivity two years and five months.
Through the benevolent exertions of the governor of
Macassar, whose name was William Pitt Jacobson, a native
of Amsterdam, and a man of respectable family, these unfor-
tunate men experienced every attention and relief. The
linguist was ordered to take Mr. Woodard to his own house,
and supply him with everything he wanted ; and his four
companions were lodged with the company's sailors, to have
as much as they required. Mr. Woodard was thoroughly
fitted out with new clothes, supplied with money, and had
the promise of provisions for his homeward voyage ; and
when, on the day approaching, and they were about to embark,
he waited on the governor in the new clothes he had given
him, to thank him for his great kindness, and to receive a
bill of their expenses, the governor kindly informed him that
there was no bill, that all they had received was freely given
them, and wished to know if they wanted anything more.
On parting, the governor gave him eighteen rupees in cash,
and also letters to the general of Batavia, stating the situation
n which they arrived at Macassar: from the linguist he
192 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
received a present of eight rupees, and several other presents
from the inhabitants.
Mr. Woodard and his men left Macassar on July 1, 1795,
and arrived at Batavia on the 11th of the same month. On
landing, Mr. Woodard directly engaged his men a passage on
board the Betsey, commanded by Captain Millar, an American
ship, bound for Boston.
While at Batavia, he discovered an old acquaintance in
Captain Sands, who commanded the American, an American
ship, then lying there and bound to Bengal. After discharging
all their expenses at Batavia, both for himself and his men,
he embarked with Captain Sands, on the 20th of July, 1795,
and after touching at two or three ports, arrived at Calcutta
on the 20 th of September.
Through Captain Sands, his story soon became circulated
at Calcutta, where he had many friends, as he was well
known to Captain Blythe and other gentlemen belonging
to that place ; and the ship having discharged her cargo, he
soon got the command of a country ship then in dock under
repair.
Captain Woodard was daily employed in superintending;
her repairs, when an American ship arrived at Bengal, which,
to his great surprise and joy, was commanded by his old friend
Captain Hubbard, the very captain with whom he had sailed
about three years before in the Enterprise, when they missed
their vessel, in the boat in the straits of Macassar. Tlie
meeting was quite unexpected to them both. Captain Hub-
bard had changed his ship, though in the same employ, for a
vessel called the America, in which Captain Woodard had
formerly sailed as an officer, to different parts of India.
Captain Hubbard told him that after having waited for them
three days in vain, he had given up the boat for lost. He
had perceived the fire, but had supposed it to be made by the
Malays.
Captain Hubbard pressed him to go to the Mauritius, and
promised that, on their arrival there, he should succeed him
in the command of his ship. His circumstances being very
low, and the ship of which he had the care not being likely
to come out of dock for nearly three months, he accepted the
offer.
They sailed together in the America, on the 1st of January,
1796, and arrived at their destined port, where they discharged
LOSS OF PORPOISE AND CATO. 193
the cargo in forty-two days, and Mr. Woodard was very soon
After appointed captain of the America.
LOSS OF THE
PORPOISE AND CATO,
OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA.
About the middle of July, 1802, H.M. ship the Investigator,
commanded by Lieutenant Eobert Fowler, sailed for Sidney
Oove, and stood along the coast to the northward, for the
purpose of entering the gulf of Carpentaria. Having, with
great trouble and perseverance, penetrated the long extended
reefs, which, in a manner, form a barrier from the ocean to the
-coast of New South Wales, lining it from the tropic to its
southern extreme, they got into the Pacific Ocean, and expe-
rienced no other dijBQculties till they reached Murray's Isles,
where they again encountered the reefs; but through a pas-
sage, which proved perfectly safe, they happily made the Prince
of Wales Island.
In the early part of November, they entered the Gulf of
Carpentaria, on its eastern side, and were much surprised to
fiud their vessel leaky, even in fine weather ; but as they had
been for three months exposed to a tropical sun it was con-
sidered as merely the consequence of the pitch having run
from the seams of the upper works. On coming to a con-
venient anchorage, they determined to remedy the supposed
defects by caulking ; but on inspection, they found, to their
great astonishment, that the vessel was so rotten that the
master and carpenter pronounced her incapable of sailing
more than six or eight months longer, and that too only in
fine weather.
Upon their arrival at Port Jackson, a minute survey was
held on the vessel, when, after a careful examination, she
was declared to be rotten past repair, and the crew were
turned over to the Porpoise, in order to proceed home, to their
no small disappointment and mortification, as their voyage
had been scarcely half completed.
The Porpoise had been formerly a Spanish packet, and had
194 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
been purchased from the captors by the Government, and con-
verted into a store-ship, for the use of New South Wales.
Having been from England three years, she also wanted
repair; and as the Buffalo was then on the station, his
Excellency Governor King appropriated the Porpoise to the
conveyance of the crew of the Investigator, and the command
of her was given to the same Captain, Lieutenant Eobert
Eowler. There was then in Sydney Cove two ships belonging
to London — the Cato, commanded by Captain John Park,
and the Bridgewater, commanded by Captain Edwin Hanker
Palmer, who were preparing to prosecute the voyage to
Bombay, after having landed their Goverment cargoes.
On the 10th of August, 1803, the Porpoise sailed from Port
Jackson, in company with these two vessels. Nothing of
particular consequence occurred till the afternoon of the
17th, when the Cato observed a dry bank to leeward, and imme-
diately communicated the unwelcome intelligence to the
Porpoise, by signal. The Porpoise stood towards it for a
short time, and then resumed her former course. Being
fairly within the influence of the trade- wind, they were en-
joying it strong and steady, and making rapid progress to the
northward, when at about ten o'clock the same evening
breakers were discovered on the lee-bow, from the forecastle
and the cry of " Breakers ! " was instantly given to the quarter-
deck.
The officer of the watch had immediate recourse to the
proper steps for putting the ship round ; and while they were
carrying this manoeuvre into execution, a swivel was about to
be fired, to surprise their consorts of the impending danger, thia
being the signal they had agreed on for discovering any peril at
night ; but the vessel being then in the wind, and the swivel
upon the gunwale to windward, every particle of priming was
unfortunately blown off the instant the apron was removed, for
the purpose of applying the match, so that their attempt to
warn their companions of the danger which threatened them
was completely frustrated.
Their situations now became awfully alarming. Foiled in
their endeavours to stay the ship, and unable to communicate
by signal the intelligence of their danger, they had the dis-
tressing misfortune of not only seeing the Porpoise in broken
water, but their two companions fast hurrying to certain, if
not instant, destruction. The night was dark and cloudy, and
the wind being rather high, was driving the Porpoise along
LOSS OF PORPOISE AND CATO. 195
under double-reefed topsails and foresails. Having been
amongst these reefs the preceding year, the crew were perfectly
aware of the dangerous nature of them, and had not the most
distant hope of being saved. Fortunately, however, for them-
selves, they were mistaken; for instead of those narrow
ridges, with deep water on each side, and the overwhelming
tides they had recently met with among reefs, they here found
an extended surface, so insulated, that the current was in-
considerable. At this alarming juncture, they did not shrink
from their fate, or, in a fit of despondency cease one second
from using every effort, not only to prevent themselves but
their consort from getting on the reef. Disappointed equally
in their hopes of their own ship staying, and of being able to
give timely notice of their situation by the swivel, one of the
head-sails was ordered to be hoisted, and the helm put
a-weather, for the purpose of trying to wear ; while, at the
same time, the leaves of a book, torn out, and lighted, were
exposed from the weather main-chains in different places,
accompanied by loud shouting.
This gave the alarm to the other two vessels, who were by
this time close up with the Porpoise, and indicated the dan-
ger to them, from which they both prepared to extricate
themselves with surprising promptitude and presence of mind.
The Bridgewater hauled to the wind on the larboard tack, and
escaped, after having almost rubbed the Cato, and actually
tailed the breakers. The Cato, however, was not so fortunate,
being now involved in the same ruin with the Porpoise.
While the crew of the Porpoise were witnessing the fortu-
nate escape of the Bridgewater, and the inevitable destruction
of the Cato, the head of their vessel had passed round till her
broadside was brought on a parallel with the brink of the reef,
and, in the midst of a dead silence, she struck.
The first shock was gentle, but the succeeding surge produced
a most dreadful crash, and threw the vessel on her beam-
ends ; the foxemast suddenly snapped at its head, while at
the same instant the sea was making a complete breach over
them. They were now no longer in a state of dreadful suspense,
nor filled with anxiety from the apprehension that the ship,
after striking again on the edge of the coral, might rebound,
and go directly to the bottom with them ; but, trusting that
she would be able to hold together till the morning, they made
certain of being then taken up by the Bridgewater, whose
security materially contributed to keep up the spirits of both
196 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the crews of the Porpoise and Cato. With the exception of only
two men, the crew of the former displayed uncommon fortitude
and resignation, and, when matters were at the very worst, the
boatswain was remarkable for his vigour and activity of mind.
The conduct of the officers and crew of the Cato, at this critical
juncture, was equally prudent and deliberate, for it was en-
tirely owing to their cool and manly exertions that they did not
get foul of the Bridgewater, and involve her with themselves in
one common ruin.
The best measures having been now concerted by Captain
Plinders, who was on board the Porpoise, and Lieutenant
Fowler, the smallest boat was hoisted out in the hope of its
reaching the Bridgewater, and bringing immediate assistance
to the Porpoise. Though the ship broke a great deal of the surf
it was still with great difficulty that the boat got through ; antl
while she struggled through the spray, there was a profound
silence, the signal of hope and doubt, which happily was but of
short continuance ; for, although the night was dark, those in
the wreck had the happiness of seeing her get safely into
smooth water. A second boat was also hoisted out, in which
two petty officers and several seamen embarked, and succeeded
in penetrating the surf in safety. The largest cutter, a six-
oared boat, was stowed under hatches, and it was judged im-
prudent to attempt hoisting her out, as the advantages attend-
ing it were considered uncertain, or, at best, but trifling and not
sufficient to counterbalance the risk of her getting stove in
launching her over the ship's side.
Notwithstanding the sea continued to beat violently against
the Porpoise, yet, as she was embedded in the coral, little
doubt was entertained of her being either carried over the reef,
or of her keeping together till morning, especially as she
was now stove on the larboard side and she appeared, from
her inflexible pliancy, to easily sustain the weight of the
surf. It now became a subject of serious deliberation what
was best to be done in case of any emergency ; for though
they felt equally confident of the wreck holding together, and
to a certainity being rescued in the morning, it was yet con-
sidered prudent to prepare for the worst that might happen.
From the smoothness of the water to leeward, they had every
reason to believe that the reef they were upon was exceedingly
narrow, like those which they had been among the preceding
year, and that if the tide should rise much higher and come
away with the velocity which they had sometimes seen it.
C/5
o
a;
H
jifjd^^d^
vo
P4
LOSS OF PORPOISE AND CATO. 197
they might, though stove and water-logged, be nevertheless
precipitated by its force over the narrow ridge on which it
was generally supposed they were.
To render the vessel as easy as possible, the weather-
lanyards of the topmast-shrouds had been cut, and all three
top masts went over the side. It now became a matter of
deliberation whether cutting away the lower masts might not
faciliate their floating over the reef, from their materially
lightening the ship and thus accomplishing that which was a
matter of the first importance.
Two circumstances were particularly favourable for securing
the vessel in her situation, and of which the crew readily
availed themselves. The anchors were bent at the bows, from
a full conviction of their being indispensably necessary to
their safety during their run to Timor. It likewise
fortunately happened that their mainmast was made of the
blue gum tree, a species of wood which, like most others
grown in New South Wales, is specifically heavier than water.
When this was taken into consideration, it was evident that
it was the most salutary measure they could adopt, both for
lightening the vessel and effectually preventing her from
starting. The anchor was, therefore, let go, and the masts
were cut away : and so completely was the ship on her broad-
side, that the angle formed by the masts with the surface of
the water could not amount to more than forty-five degrees ;
in consequence of which those made of fir were almost ready
to break down under the overhangjing weight of the tops, and
were, therefore, easily got rid of, but the mainmast was made
of sterner stuff, and, for a long time, resisted the stroke of
the axe before it fell.
Notwithstanding the very unpleasant situation which the
crew were in, the same regularity of conduct and cheerfulness
of deportment pervaded all ranks and classes, as if nothing
had happened ; and strange as it may seem, after all that
<jould be done for their preservation was accomplished, the
-affair was talked over by the officers in the great cabin, with
no small share of mirth and pleasantry. About midnight the
sea broke with less vehemence, and they observed the tide to
be on the decline, which afforded a proof almost amounting
to certainty, that the vessel would hold together till daylight,
when they confidently expected to be released by the boats
of the Bridge water.
In the midst of their greatest apprehension, the crew of
198 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the Porpoise expressed the most sympathetic concern for their
unfortunate consort the Cato, whose situation they judged to-
be far more deplorable than their own, and which daylight
proved to be actually the case ; for she was surrounded by a
surf breaking to pieces, and infinitely more violent than that
which was around the Porpoise; the crew of which endeavoured,
during the night, to comfort and cheer them as much as
possible, by exhibiting blue lights at intervals, which, at their
first meeting, they were happy to learn had the desired effect.
On the approach of the long wished for dawn, the two
boats were seen close to the Porpoise, and the Bridgewater in
the offing at no very great distance. The Bridgewater then;
put about, and stood for them ; but as it blew fresh at the
time, this was looked upon as a proper and necessary pro-
ceeding. They now soon found, to their great astonishment^
that they were wrecked in the vicinity of a bank of coral,,
permanently dry, and where, at low water, they had easy
access.
Having made every preparation for quitting the Porpoise,
they made several trips backwards and forwards in the course
of the day, carrying with them those necessaries of life which
their necessities immediately demanded; and then they
resolved to wait patiently till fine weather should bring back
the Bridgewater. The boats now pulled up towards the Cato»
with the intention of affording her assistance, but could noD
reach her for broken water ; they were, consequently, of no-
other use than to prevent despair, and incite them to make
strenuous efforts to penetrate the surf.
About eleven o'clock the officers and people of the Cato
got on board the Porpoise, having met with great and painful
difficulty in escaping from their own ship. Three of the crew
had perished, and some of the others were much cut and
bruised, by the surf dashing them against the sharp-pointed
coral, when in the act of swimming from the wreck.
As the place of their future habitation was but half a mile
distant from the wreck, they had but little trouble in passing
and re-passing ; so that, in the course of the day, they suc-
ceeded in carrying a number of things on shore ; and in the
evening all lay down on the coral rock, which, hard as it was,
afforded a tolerable repose to their wearied bodies.
Early on the following day they began to get everything
out of the Porpoise, which, notwithstanding it was a crazy
old ship, they were happy to find still held stoutly together ;
LOSS OF PORPOISE AND CATO. IQg*
while, on the other hand, though the Cato was a stout
merchant ship, there was scarce a vestige of her to be seen
above water. Tents were also erected, from sails and spars,
to afford shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, rather
than defence from the inclemency of the weather ; for, with
the exception of the first night, they never experienced cold.
Persevering with the boats and some rafts which they had
constructed on the emergency, they soon got all the provisions
on shore, of which, excepting bread, they found a suppl}^
adequate to nearly four months. This was, indeed, a fortun-
ate circumstance, as their numbers exceeded eighty; and to-
their great surprise and mortification they were deserted by
the Bridgewater, and were now uncertain of speedy release.
Their first object being to get the provisions on shore, they
effected that desirable end, after considerable labour, in one-
week ; and, by the 24th, every morsel of provisions was safely
lodged in a store-tent, over which a sentry was placed to pre-
vent depredation.
The large cutter that had been under the hatches, was now
put under the carpenter's hands, to be decked and properly
fitted for proceeding to Port Jackson ; and, on the tenth day
after the wreck. Captain Flinders, with Mr. Park, second
mate of the Cato, Mr. Charrington, boatswain of the-
Investigator, and a stout boat's crew, embarked on that
undertaking. Previous to their departure, the following
resolutions were agreed to by Captain Flinders and the other
officers: — first that a boat of eighteen or twenty tons burthen
should be immediately laid down and built, with all possible-
despatch, to guard against any accident that might befal the boat
that was to bring them assistance ; secondly, that if no tidings
of Captain Flinders should arrive in the space of six weeks,
the boat now about to be laid down was to make the best of
her way to Port Jackson, with as many people as she could
carry with safety, and that if competent to carry the whole,
they should all embark in her, with the exception of one officer
and a boat's crew, who should remain for six or eight weeks
longer, as plenty of provisions would be left them ; and if no
one returned in that time, they were finally to leave the reef
in the small cutter, with all the charts, papers, etc., of which
they were to have the important charge, and follow to Port
Jackson. These precautions were absolutely necessary, as.
the distance was a very great undertaking for a small boat
only twenty-six feet in length, the reef being situate in
200 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
latitude 22 deg. 11 min. south, long. 155 deg. 85 min. east,
208 miles to the north, and 42 miles east from Sandy Cove,
and 357 miles from Sydney.
These arrangements having been made. Captain Flinders
set out with his small party, after receiving the unfeigned
wishes of every one for his success, having been cheered as
he went, and earnestly beheld by every eye on shore, while
he remained in sight. A saw-pit was then erected, the forge
set up, and every necessary preparation made for laying down
the new boat.
Their attention was soon after attracted by an island situate
about nine or ten miles E. and N. and which was visited, in
the remaining boat by Lieutenant Fowler. This they found
much larger and more perfect in its formation than that
which they were upon, being nearly a mile in circumference,
abounding with birds, and occasionally visited by turtle ; it
was also rather deeply covered by vegetable soil, and had a
spring of water which, though fresh, was too much impregnated
by salt-petre to be of use to them. The birds were chiefly
water-fowl, and had resorted thither to rear their young,
which afforded the shipwrecked crew an opportunity of pro-
curing eggs in abundance. The first visit to this spot repaid
them with a supply of all its delicacies, for the boat returned
loaded ; one turtle was caught, and the cargo was completed
with eggs of birds, which was a great incitement to future
adventures. They had also, about this time, such a violent
shower of rain, that they were obliged to rise from their beds ;
but were amply repaid for the interruption of their repose,
by a fortnight's supply of fresh wholesome water.
Though thus situate upon a small bank of naked white
coral, yet, by their mutual endeavours to cheer each other,
they all appeared very tranquil ; and their new vessel, which
was named the Eesource, was ready for launching before the
expiration of the six weeks agreed upon.
On the 7th of October, a little before noon, they descried a
sail in the eastern quarter; in a little time another, and soon
after a third, were also discovered. It is impossible to
attempt a description of their emotions at the sight of these
vessels ; and, indeed, the astonishment on board was equal to
their own ; for on that very day the Kesource, the work of
their own hands, had gone to Turtle Island, by way of trying
her, and little could these vessels have expected to be met by
a schooner of twenty tons, erected on a coral bank; and
LOSS OF PORPOISE AND CATO. 201
especially considering the short space of time and the imple-
ments they had to work with. Upon their nearer approach,
they perceived the largest of these vessels to be the Eolla,
convict ship, which they had left at Sydney Cove ; the others
were the Frances and Cumberland, colonial schooners, which
were familiar to them. In the afternoon, the three vessels
anchored to leeward of the reef, and a boat soon after put off
from the Cumberland, in which, as she neared them, to their
great joy, they saw Captain Flinders, who received a hearty
cheer on landing. For the last ten days preceding the
arrival of these vessels they had, every night, at eight o'clock,
fired a great gun, by way of apprising them of their situation,,
if chance should have brought them at dusk near to the reef.
Notwithstanding six weeks had expired from the time
Captain Flinders had left them, they did not think it proper
to adhere to the agreement that was made ; and, therefora,
had no intention of quitting the island yet. They naturally
concluded that he might have had a tardy passage to Port
Jackson, and even when there, that vessels might not have
been in readiness in Sydney Cove to send to their assistance-
He might also, from the fatigue of going there, have been in-
capacitated from returning immediately, and thus the sailing
of a vessel might have been procrastinated. These and other
considerations made them change their former resolutions;,
and it was agreed that they should not separate, but patiently
wait till another boat could be built, and go together in a
body. This was so far fortunate ; for had they parted as had
been previously planned, at the end of six weeks, it would, in
all probability, have been productive of much uneasiness and
dissatisfaction, as well to those who went from, as those who
remained on, the reef.
The following arrangements were now agreed upon: the
Kolla was to receive the officers and crew of the Porpoise,
with whom she was to proceed to Canton, where they were
to be distributed among such of the East India Company's
ships as their servants in that port might tlnnk proper ; and
the Frances was to take on board such stores saved from the
wreck as she could safely and conveniently carry, with any
of the officers or people who had a desire to return, and
forthwith proceed with them to Port Jackson. Mr. Dennis
Lacy, one of master's mates of the Investigator, who was
anxious to get home, returned in their new schooner, the
Resource. Captain Flinders, with a select portion of the
•202 VOYAGES AxND SHIPWRECKS.
-ship's company, attended by Mr. Aken, the master, and Mr.
Charrington, the boatswain of the Investigator, went on board
the Cumberland, and proceeded in her to the Mauritius, by
way of Torres Straits.
LOSS OF THE
LADY HOBART,
OFF THE COAST OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
The packet-ship Lady Hobart, commanded by Captain
William D. Fellowes, bound for England, sailed from Halifax
on June 23, 1803, and on the 24th hauled to the northward,
intending to pass over the northern part of the Great Bank
'Of Newfoundland, with a view to avoid the enemy's cruisers.
On the 26th, at seven, a.m., being then in latitude 44° 87',
and longitude 51° 20', they discovered a large schooner, under
Trench olours, with her deck full of men, standing towards
them, x^ rom her manner of bearing down upon them, they
^concluded that she had been apprised of the war, which had
just then commenced, and took the Lady Hobart for a
merchant brig. They accordingly cleared the deck for action,
and at eight, the schooner being within range of her guns, the
Lady Hobart fired a shot at her, when the schooner struck
her colours. Having sent some men on board to take posses-
sion of her, she proved to be L' Amiable Julie, of Port Liberte,
-of eighty tons burthen, a new and strong-built vessel, from
the island of St. Pierre, laden with salt fish, and commanded
by Charles Eosse.
After taking out the captain and crew, the prize was given
in charge to lieutenants John Little and William Hughes, of
liis majesty's navy, who were passengers on board the Lady
Hobiirt, and who very handsomely volunteered their services,
taking with them two seamen and two of the prisoners to
assist in navigating the prize. At ten o'clock the same
morning, they saw two schooners a-head, fired a gun, and
brought them to; when finding them to be English, and
bound to St. John's, the French prisoners were divided between
<them, with the exception of the captain, mate, and a boy,
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 203
nephew to the captain, who earnestly entreated that they
might remain on board the packet.
On Tuesday, June 28, it blew a hard gale from the west-
ward, with a heavy sea, hazy weather, and intervals of thick
fog. About one o'clock in the morning, when the ship was
going at the rate of seven miles an hour by the log, she struck
against an island of ice with such violence, that several of the
avew were pitched out of their hammocks. The captain was
roused from his sleep by the suddenness of the shock, and
instantly ran upon deck, and ordered the helm to be put hard
a-port, when the ship struck again upon the chesstree, and
then swung round upon her heel, the stern-post being stove
in, and the rudder carried away, before they could succeed in
their attempts to haul her off. At this time the ice appeared
to hang quite over the ship, forming a high peak, which must
have been at least twice the height of their topmast head.
The length of the island, as near as they could judge, was
from a quarter to half a mile.
The sea was now breaking over the ice in a frightful
manner, and the water rushed in so fast, that in a very few
minutes the hold was completely filled. Every exertion was
made to lighten the ship ; the guns were hove overboard, the
anchors were cut away from the bows, two sails were got
under the ship's bottom, both pumps kept going, and they
also baled with buckets from the main-hatchway, in the hope
of preventing her from sinking ; but notwithstanding all their
efforts, she settled down in the water to her fore-chains in
less than a quarter of an hour.
Their situation now became perilous in the extreme. The
captain, who was aware of the danger of a moment's delay in
hoisting out the boats, immediately consulted with Captain
Thomas, of the royal navy, who was a passenger, and Mr.
Bargus, the master, as to the propriety of making any further
efforts to save the ship, and also as to the possibility of taking
the mail into the boats, in the event of their being able to
get them over the ship's side. They agreed that no time
ought to be lost in hoisting the boats out, and that, as the
vessel was then settling fast, the preservation of the crew
should be their first consideration.
That tribute of praise, which the steady discipline and good
conduct of all on board so justly merit, ought not to be
omitted. From the first moment of the ship's striking, not a
word was uttered expressive of a desire to leave the wreck.
204 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The orders of the captain were promptly obeyed ; and thougb
every moment increased the danger of perishing, each man
waited his turn to get into the boats, with a coolness and
composure which was never surpassed, and scarcely ever
equalled.
Having fortunately succeeded in hoisting out the cutter
and jolly-boat, the sea still running very high, they placed the-
ladies in the former. One young lady, Miss Cottenham, was
so terrified, that she sprung from the gunwale and pitche I
into the bottom of the boat with considerable violence; but
although such an accident might have been productive uf
effects equally fatal to herself and them all, it was not attended
by any bad consequences. The few provisions which had
been saved from the men's berths were then put into the
boats, which were quickly veered astern. The main-deck
forward was by this time under water, and nothing but the
quarter-deck appeared. The men were then ordered into the
boats, and the mail, after being lashed to some iron pigs of
ballast, was thrown overboard.
The ship was now rapidly sinking, when the captain, having
used every exertion to save his men, called out to them to
haul up and receive him, as, fearing the cutter might be stove
under the counter, he intended to drop himself into her from
the end of the trysail boom. He desired Mr. Bargus, the
master, who remained with him on the wreck, to go over first ;
but in this instance he replied, that he begged leave to disobey
his orders, adding, that he must see the captain safely over
before he attempted to go himself. On such noble behaviour,
the captain, in his despatches, observes, " Such conduct, at
such a moment, requires no comment ; but I should be wantini;
to myself and to the service, if I did not faithfully state to
your lordships (the postmasters general), every circumstance,,
however trifling ; and it is highly satisfactory to me to have
this opj'ortunity of recording an incident so honourable to a
meritorious officer."
The sea ran so high at the time the boats were hoisted out,
that they hardly dared flatter themselves they should get
them out in safety. Indeed, nothing but the steady and
orderly conduct of the crew could have enabled them to effect
an undertaking which was attended with so much difficulty
and danger ; and it is but justice to observe, that not a man
in the ship attempted to make use of the liquor, which every
one had in his power. As an instance of this resolution and
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 205
self-denial on the part of the men, one of them, John Tipper,
was observed emptying a demi-jean, or five-gallon bottle,
which on inquiry proved to be rum. He said he was emptying
it for the purpose of filling it with water from the scuttle
cask on the quarter-deck, which was the only fresh water
that could be got at, a circumstance highly creditable to the
character of a British sailor ; and the water thus procured
afterwards became their principal supply.
They had scarcely quitted the ship, when she suddenly gave
a heavy lurch to port, and went down head foremost, the
boats narrowly escaping being swallowed up in the vortex
caused by the sinking of the vessel. The colours had been
hoisted at the maintop-gallant-mast-head with the union
downwards, as a signal of distress, so that if any vessel should
happen to be near them at the dawn of day, she might perceive
their calamitous situation, and afford them relief.
It is impossible to describe the feelings and sensations of
these unfortunate people, thus suddenly exposed in two open
boats upon the vast Atlantic Ocean, and bereft of all assist-
ance, but what their own exertions could, under Providence,
afford them. Men accustomed to vicissitudes are not soon
dejected; but there are trials which human nature alone cannot)
surmount. The consciousness of having done their duty, and
a reliance upon the mercies of a kind Providence, enabled
them to endure their calamity, and with the confident hope
of better fortune, they animated each other to increased
exertions to attain it.
While they were employed in deliberating upon their
future course, a curious circumstance occurred, which, as it
caused them a considerable degree of uneasiness, deserves to
be mentioned. At the moment when the ship was sinking,
she was surrounded by an amazing number of whales, which
at this season of the year repair to the coast of Newfoundland,
n quest of a small fish called capelin. As the whales
approached the boats, the men were extremely apprehensive
that they might strike and materially damage them, as fre-
quent instances have occurred in the fishery, where boats have
been cut asunder by a single blow from a whale. They there-
fore shouted as loud as they could, and employed every effort
to scare them away, but all to no effect ; for the whales
appeared to be pursuing them, and remained about the boats
for more than half an hour, when they disappeared without
having done them any injury.
1A
206 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
After surmounting difficulties and dangers which baffle all
description, they rigged the foremast, and prepared to shape
their course in the best manner that circumstances would
admit, the wind blowing precisely from the point towards
which it was necessary to sail to reach the nearest land.
The crew were distributed in the boats in the following
manner : —
In the cutter, which was twenty feet long, six feet four
inches broad, and two feet six inches deep, were embarked
three ladies, the captain of the Lady Hobart, Captain Eichard
Thomas, of the royal navy, the commander of the French
schooner, which they had taken two days before, the master's
mate, gunner, steward, carpenter, and eight seamen, being
eighteen persons in all, whose weight, together with that of
the provisions, brought the gunwale of the boat within six
or seven inches of the water. From this confined space some
idea may be formed of their crowded state ; but it is scarcely
possible for the imagination to conceive the extent of their
sufferings in consequence of it.
In the jolly-boat which was fourteen feet from stem to
stern, five feet three inches broad, and two feet deep, were
Mr. Samuel Bargus, master; Lieutenant-Colonel George
Cooke, of the first regiment of guards ; the boatswain, sail-
maker, and seven seamen ; being eleven persons in all.
The only provisions which they had time to save, consisted
of about forty or fifty pounds of bread, one demi-jean, and a
small jug of water, part of a small barrel of spruce beer, one
demi-jean of rum, a few bottles of port wine, two compasses,
a quadrant, a spy-glass, a small tin mug, and a wine-glass.
The deck-lantern, containing a few spare candles, had also
been thrown into the boat ; and the cook having taken the
precaution to secure his tinder-box, together with a few
matches that were kept in a bladder, they were thus enabled
to steer by night.
Scarcely an hour elapsed from the time the ship struck till
she foundered ; and the boats left the fatal spot just as the
day dawned. As near as they could estimate, they were
about 360 miles from St. John's, Newfoundland, and had the
wind continued westerly, as there appeared every prospect of
its doing, it would have been found necessary to exercise the
most rigid economy in the consumption of their provisions.
For this purpose the captain addressed them on the propriety
of at once submitting to privation, which must soon be
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 207
inevitable, and concluded by ordering half a biscuit and a
glass of wine to each individual, which was to be the whole
allowance for the ensuing twenty-four hours, all of them
agreeing to leave the water untouched as long as possible.
While they were employed in hoisting out the boats, the
captain had ordered the master to throw the main-hatch
tarpauling into the cutter, which being afterwards cut into
lengths, enabled them to form a temporary bulwark against
the waves. The carpenter had also been ordered to carry with
him as many tools as he could ; he accordingly, among other
things, put a few nails in his pockets, with which they re-
paired the gunwale of the cutter that had been stove in hoisting
her out.
Soon after daylight, they made sail with the cutter, and
took the jolly boat in tow, standing close-hauled to the north-
ward and westward, in the hope of reaching the coast of
Newfoundland, or of being picked up by some vessel. They
passed two islands of ice, and shortly afterwards, said prayers,
fervently returning thanks to the Almighty for their provi-
dential deliverance. At noon, they were, by observation, in
lat. 46° 33' N., St. John's bearing about W. i K, distant 350
miles.
Wednesday, June the 29th, was ushered in with variable
winds from the southward and eastward. They had passed a
long and sleepless night, and at the dawn of day the captain
found himself with twenty-eight persons looking up to him
with anxiety for the distribution of their scanty allowance, and
also for the direction of their course. Upon examining their
provisions, they found the bag of biscuit much damaged by salt
water, which made it necessary for them to diminish their al-
lowance; and to this precaution they all cheerfully assented.
It was at this moment that they became more sensible to the
horrors of their situation, but grateful to Providence they
returned thank sfor past mercies, and offered up prayers for
their future safety.
Soon afterwards a thick fog came on, which continued the
whole day, with heavy rain, but as they had no means of
collecting it, it afforded them no relief ; and their crowded and
exposed situation was rendered still more distressing by their
being thoroughly wet, as no person had been permitted to take
more than a great coat or a blanket, besides the clothes on his
back.
The oars in both boats were kept constantly going, steering a
208 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
W.N.W. course, and every one anxiously looking out for a saiL
At noon, a quarter of a biscuit and a glass of rum were served
to each person. St. John's bore W. by K J K, distant 310
miles — no observation. One of the ladies again read prayers,
particularly that for deliverance after a storm.
On Thursday, June 30th, at day-break they were all so
benumbed with wet and cold, that a glass of rum and a
mouthful of biscuit were served out to each person. The
ladies, who before had refused to taste the spirits, were now
prevailed on to take the stated allowance, which afforded
them much benefit, and enabled them the better to resist the
severity of the weather. The air was raw and cold, with
thick fog and sleet, and the sea was mostly calm. They liad
kept their oars all night, and continued to row during the
whole of this day. The jolly-boat having unfortunately put
off from the ship with only three oars, and having but a^
small sail, which had been converted from a foresail into a
top-gallant steering-sail, without needles or twine, the cutter
was obliged to keep her constantly in tow. The cutter had
likewise lost two of her oars in hoisting out, and was now sa
deep in the water that, with the least sea, she made so little
way, that they were unable to profit much by the light winds.
One of the men in the jolly-boat called out that they had
found part of a cold ham, which had not been discovered
before ; a morsel, about the size of a nutmeg, was immediately
distributed to each person, but the captain had the remainder
thrown overboard, as he was fearful that it might create an
intolerable thirst, which they had no means of assuaging.
At noon, they judged they were on the north-eastern edge of
the Grand Bank, St. John's bearing W. by N. J N., distant
about 246 miles. On this day divine service was performed,
in which all fervently joined.
On Friday, July 1st, it blew a hard gale from the W.S.W.
during the greater part of the day, with a heavy sea from the
same quarter. The weather was excessively cold, and the
spray of the sea freezing as it flew over the boats, rendered
their situation truly deplorable. The want of nourishment,
coupled with the cold and wet weather, had produced a most
painful depression of spirits, and rendered them almost in-
capable of exertion ; added to which, the very confined space
in the boat would not allow them to stretch their limbs, that
several of the men whose feet were much swelled, called out
repeatedly for water ; but on being reminded of their former
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 209
^resolution, and the absolute necessity of strictly adhering to
it, they acknowledged the propriety of its being refused to
them, and the water remained untouched.
At the commencement of the gale they stood to the north-
ward and westward ; but the cutter was so low in the water,
that they were obliged to cast off the jolly-boat's tow-rope,
and very soon lost sight of her in the fog. This unfortunate
circumstance catised all of them the utmost distress ; as they
were uncertain of ever again meeting their companions in
misfortune ; and to add to the misery of their situation, they
lost with the boat, not only a considerable part of their stores,
but also their quadrant and spy-glass. About four p.m., the
gale increasing, with a prodigiously heavy sea, they brought
the cutter to, by heaving the boat's sail loose over the bow,
and veering it out with a rope bent to each yard-arm, which
kept her head to the sea, and broke the force of the waves
before they reached them.
In the course of this day there were repeated cries of a
strange sail being in sight; and although the captain was
aware that it was next to impossible to discern anything,
owing to the thickness of the fog, yet, being urged by many
of the seamen with such apparent certainty, he was induced
to put the boat before the wind ; the rather to convince them
of their error, than with any expectation of their hopes being
realized. But the captain being convinced of the dangerous
consequences of such deviations, remonstrated with them on
the subject, representing in language as forcible as he could
command, that the depression arising from disappointment
infinitely overbalanced the momentary relief proceeding from
such delusive expectations, and exhorted them not to indulge
in such fancies. Under all these circumstances, the ladies,
with a heroism that no words can sufficiently do justice to,
afforded the best examples of patience and fortituda
They all joined in prayer, which tended greatly to calm
their minds, and inspired them with the consolatory hope of
an alleviation to their sufferings. On these solemn occasions
they were all bareheaded, notwithstanding the showers that
were incessantly falling. At noon, St. John's bore W. by K
J N. distant 148 miles.
On Saturday, July 2, having rained hard during the night,
the cold became so intense that almost every person in the
boat was unable to move. Their hands and feet were so
swelled that many of them turned quite black, owing to their
210 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
confined state and constant exposure to wet and cold. At
day-break each person was served with a quarter of a biscuit,
and a third of a wine-glassful of rum, and before noon, a small
quantity of spruce-beer, from which they derived great benefit.
During the early part of the day, it blew strong from the
southward and westward, with thick fogs, which, towards,
noon, was succeeded by moderate breezes from the northward
and eastward.
At half -past eleven, a.m., they discovered a sail to the east-
ward, standing to the north-west, the sight of which inspired
them all with the hope of immediate deliverance, and animated
them with new life. The captain immediately ordered the
people to sit as close as possible, in order that they might
not appear too much like an armed boat ; and, having tied
one of the ladies' shawls to the boat-hook, he raised himself,
as well as he could, and waved it from the bow as long as his
strength would permit. Having hauled close to the wind,
they neared each other fast, and in less than a quarter of an
hour, to their joyful surprise, they perceived that it was their
long-lost consort, the jolly-boat. They would have recognised
her sooner, but an additional sail had been made for her out
of one of the bed-sheets, which had been accidentally thrown
into the boat, and was set as a bonnet to the foresail.
It would be impossible to describe the various sensations
alternately expressed in every countenance — joy at the un-
expected reunion with their long-lost friends and companiona
in misfortune, and disappointment to all their hopes of relief
from their perilous situation. As soon as they approached,,
the cutter threw out a tow-rope to the jolly-boat, and bore
away to the north-west.
They now mutually inquired into the state of their respec-
tive crews, after the late dreadful gale ; those in the jolly-boat
had suffered from swelled hands and feet, the same as the
•others, and had experienced the greatest anxiety for the fate
of the cutter, as they concluded she must have perished.
The most singular circumstance was, that having steered for
two nights without any light, they should, after such tem-
pestuous weather, meet again ; which could only be attributed
to the interposition of Divine Providence: but fearing a
similar accident might occur, they made a more equal dis-
tribution of the provisions ; the cutter having received of the
jolly-boat two bottles of wine and some biscuit, gave them
some rum in return.
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 211
The late occurrence had raised their hopes of deliverance
to the highest pitch, but the excitement beginning gradually
to subside, a corresponding despondency succeeded to such a
state of artificial elevation, that no argument or entreaty could
rouse some of the men to the ordinary exertions of making sail.
The captain now, for the first time, served out a wine-glass-
ful of water to the French captain and several of the people
who appeared to have suffered most, and earnestly cautioned
the crew not to taste the salt water ; some of them neverthe-
less, took large draughts and became delirious, while others
were seized with violent cramps in the stomach and bowels.
This day divine service was again performed at noon, St.
John's bore W. by N. J, distant 110 miles.
On Sunday, July 3rd, the cold was intense ; indeed, it is
hardly possible for language to describe the sufferings and
distress of this miserable crew from cold, wet, hunger, and
thirst. At eight p.m., having a strong breeze from the south-
ward, the cutter stood under all the canvas they could spread,
with the jolly-boat following in her wake and pulling her
oars to keep up with them. The French captain, who had
been for some days labouring under a despondency which
admitted of no consolation, in a fit of delirium jumped over-
board, and instantly sunk ; and the cutter was going at such
a rate, with the oars lashed to the gunwale, that it would
have been impossible to have attempted to save him, even if
he had floated. One of the prisoners also, in the jolly-boat,
became so outrageous that it was found necessary to lash him
to the bottom.
This circumstance deeply affected them all ; indeed, the
most trifling accident was sufficient to render their irritable
state more painful. The captain of the Lady Hobart was
seized with a violent shivering, which returned at intervals,
and having refused all sustenance, his situation became very
alarming; however, towards night he enjoyed, for the first
time, three or four hours' sleep ; perspiration took place, and
he awoke as from a dream, free from delirium, but painfully
alive to all the horrors that surrounded them.
The sea continued to break over the boats so much, that
those who had strength enough, were obliged to bale without
intermission. Those in the stern of the cutter were so con-
fined that it was dijB&cult for any one to put his hand into
his pocket, and most of the crew lay in water at the bottom
of the boat.
212 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The return of day brought them no relief but its light.
The sun had only once cheered them during the whole of
their perilous voyage, and those who obtained a few hours of
uninterrupted sleep, awoke to all the consciousness of their
misery.
A very heavy gale of wind came on from the southward,
with a tremendous sea, so that the utmost vigilance was
necessary in managing the helm, as the smallest deviation
would have broached the boats to, and hurried them to de-
struction. They scudded before it, expecting each returning
wave to overwhelm them; but, through the providence of
Almighty God, they weathered the storm, which, towards
night, began to abate. They had now nearly run the whole
distance they had supposed themselves from St. John's, but
the thickness of the fog prevented them from seeing to any
extent.
Towards evening they passed several pieces of rock-weed,
and soon afterwards Captain Thomas saw the wing of a
backdown, an aquatic bird, that frequents the coast of New-
foundland, and is much eaten by the fishermen. This cir-
cumstance inspired them with great hopes of their approaching
the land ; and every person was employed attentively observing
what passed the boats. Soon after, a beautiful white bird,
web-footed, and not unlike a dove in size and plumage, hovered
over the mast-head of the cutter, and, notwithstanding the
pitching of the boat, frequently attempted to perch on it, and
continued to flutter there till dark. This circumstance, trifling
as it may appear, was considered by them all a propitious
omen, and awakened in them a superstition to which sailors
are said to be at all times too much addicted.
As they had every reason to conclude that they were well
in with the land, the few who were able to move, were called
upon to make a last exertion to save their lives by rowing, and
take advantage of the little breeze which they then had. It
was strongly urged, that should the wind come ofif the shore
in the morning, and drive them to leeward, that all efibrts to
regain it might be too late ; for, independent of their feeble
state, the provisions could not, with the most rigid economy,
last more than two days ; nor could the water which had
remained untouched, except in the instances before mentioned,
hold out much longer. They had been six days and nights
constantly wet and cold, without any other sustenance than
a quarter of a biscuit and one wine-glass of liquid for twenty-
LOSS OF THE LADY HOBART. 213
four hours. But the men who had appeared totally indifferent
to their fate, now summoned resolution, and as many as were
able to move, applied themselves to the oars.
On the morning of Monday, July 4, the fog grew so thick
that they could not see far from the boat. During the night
the cutter had been under the necessity of casting off the
jolly-boat's tow-rope; and having lost sight of her, this unlucky
accident gave them some uneasiness. Several of them repeat-
edly declared that they heard breakers and others the firing
of guns, as of a ship in distress, but this afterwards proved to
be the noise of the blowing of whales, of which they saw a
great number.
Soon after daylight, the sun rose in view, for the second
time since they quitted the wreck, and at length the fog began
to disperse, when they caught a glimpse of the land about a
mile distant, between Kettle Cove and Island Cove, in Con-
ception Bay, fourteen leagues from the harbour of St. John ;
and almost at the same moment they had the inexpressible
satisfaction to discover the jolly-boat and schooner standing
off towards them from the shore.
It is almost impossible to describe their sensations at this
interesting moment. Many burst into tears, some looked at
'each other with a stupid stare, as if doubtful of the reality of
what they saw ; while several remained in such a lethargic
state, that no language, however animating and consolatory,
could rouse them to exertion.
At this moment the captain, though overpowered by his
own sensations, yet impressed with the recollection of their
sufferings, and the sight of so many deplorable objects, pro-
posed to offer up their thanks to heaven for their miraculous
deliverance. To this they all cheerfully assented, and as soon
-as he had opened the prayer-book, which he had secured the
last time he went down into the cabin, a universal silence
prevailed: a spirit of devotion was manifested in such a striking
manner on this occasion, that to a sense of religion in unculti-
vated minds, must be ascribed the discipline, good order, and
exertion, which even the sight of land could not produce.
The schooner being now within hail, and being made ac-
quainted with their situation, she hove-to, received them on
board, and took their boats in tow ; but as the wind blew with
great violence off the coast, they did not reach the landing place
at island Cove, till four o'clock in the afternoon. All the
women and children, with two or three fishermen, the re-
214 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
mainder being absent, repaired to the beach, and appeared
deeply affected at their wretched situation. They assisted in
lifting them out of the vessel and carrying them over the
crazy rocks, over which they were obliged to pass in order to
reach their habitations.
It was fortunate for them that they fell in with the land
about Island Bay ; as the coast a few miles further northward
was inaccessible, and lined with dangerous reefs of rocks, for
which they would have steered had they seen them in the
night.
Loss OF H.M.S. ATALANTE,
OFF THE COAST OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
On the morning of the 10th of November, 1813, this ship
stood in for Halifax harbour in very thick weather, carefully
feeling her way with the lead, and having look-out men at
the jib-boom end, fore-yard-arms, and everywhere else from
which a glimpse of the land was likely to be obtained. After
breakfast, a fog signal-gun was fired, in the expectation
of its being answered by the light-house on Cape Sambro,
near which it was known they must be. Within a few minutes,
accordingly, a gun was heard in the N.N.W. quarter, exactly
where the light was supposed to lie. As the soundings agreed
with the estimated position of the ship, and as the guns from
the Atalante, fired at intervals of fifteen minutes, were
regularly answered in the direction of the harbour's mouth,,
it was determined to stand on, so as to enter the port under
the guidance of these sounds alone. By a fatal coincidence
of circumstances, however, these answering guns were fired,
not by Cape Sambro, but by H.M.S. Barrossa, which was
likewise entangled by the fog. She, too, supposed that she
was communicating with the light-house, whereas it was the
guns of the unfortunate Atalante that she heard all the time.
There was, certainly, no inconsiderable risk incurred by
running in for the harbour's mouth under such circumstances,
even if the guns had been fired by the light-house. But it
will often happen that it becomes an officer s duty to put his
ship, as well as his life, in hazard ; and this appears to hav&
LOSS OF H.M.S ATALANTE. 215-
been exactly one of these cases. Captain Hickey was charged
with urgent despatches relative to the enemy's fleet, which it
was of the greatest importance should be delivered without
an hour's delay. But there was every appearance of this fog
lasting a week ; and as he and his officers had passed over the
ground a hundred times before, and were as intimately
acquainted with the spot as any pilot could be, it was resolved
to try the bold experiment; and the ship was forthwith
steered in the supposed direction of Halifax.
They had not, however, stood on far, before one of the look-
out men exclaimed, " Breakers a-head ! Hard a-starboard ! "
But it was too late, for, before the helm could be put over,
the ship was amongst those formidable reefs known by the
name of the Sister's Eocks, or eastern ledge of Sambro Island.
The rudder and half of the stern-post, together with great
part of the false keel, were driven off at the first blow, and
floated up alongside. There is some reason to believe, indeed,,
that a portion of the bottom of the ship, loaded with 120 tons
of iron ballast, was torn from the upper works by this fearful
blow, and that the ship, which instantly filled with water, was
afterwards buoyed up merely by the empty casks, till the
decks and sides were burst through or riven asunder by th&
waves.
The captain, who, throughout the whole scene, continued
as composed as if nothing remarkable had occurred, now
ordered the guns to be thrown overboard ; but before one of
them could be cast loose, or a breeching cut, the ship fell over
so much that the men could not stand. It was, therefore,
with great difficulty that a few guns were fixed as signals of
distress. In the same breath that this order was given,
Captain Hickey desired the yard tackles to be hooked, in order
that the pinnace might be hoisted out; but as the masts,
deprived of their foundation, barely stood, tottering from side
to side, the people were called down again. The quarter-boats
were then lowered into the water with some difficulty ; but
the jolly-boat, which happened to be on the poop undergoing
repairs, in being launched overboard, struck against one of
the stern-davits, bilged, and went down. As the ship was
now falling fast over on her beam ends, directions were given
to cut away the fore and main mast. Fortunately, they fell
without injuring the large boat on the booms — their grand
hope. At the instant of this crash, the ship parted in two,
between the main and mizen-masts, so that the poor Atalauta
216 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
now formed a mere wreck, divided into three pieces, crumbling
into smaller fragments at every send of the swell.
By this time a considerable crowd of the men had scram-
bled into the pinnace on the booms, in hopes that she might
float off as the ship sunk ; but Captain Hickey, seeing that
the boat so loaded could never swim, desired some twenty of
the men to quit her; and, what is particularly worthy of
remark, his orders, which were given with the most perfect
coolness, were as promptly obeyed as ever.
Throughout the whole of these trying moments, indeed,
the discipline of the ship appears to have been maintained,
not only without the smallest trace of insubordination, but
with a degree of cheerfulness which is described as truly
wonderful. Even when the masts fell, the sound of the
crashing spars was drowned in the animated huzzas of the
undaunted crew, though they were clinging to the weather
gunwale, with the sea, from time to time, making a clean
breach over them, and when they were expecting every instant
to be carried to the bottom !
As soon as the pinnace was relieved from the pressure of
the crowd, she floated off the booms, or rather was knocked
off by a sea, which turned her bottom upwards, and wheeled
her into the surf amidst the fragments of the wreck. The
people, however, imitating the gallant bearing of their captain,
and keeping their eyes fixed upon him, never, for one instant,
lost their self-possession. By dint of great exertions they
succeeded not only in righting the boat, but disentangling her
from the confused heap of spars, and the dash of the breakers,
so as to place her at a little distance from the wreck, where
they waited for further orders from the captain, who, with
about forty men, still clung to the poor remains of the gay
Atalante, once so much admired !
An attempt was next made to construct a raft, as it was
feared the three boats could not possibly carry all hands ; but
the violence of the waves prevented this, and it was resolved
to trust to the boats alone, though they were already to all
appearance quite full. It became now, however, absolutely
necessary to take to them, as the wreck was disappearing
rapidly ; and in order to pack close, most of the men were
removed to the pinnace, where they were laid flat at the
bottom, like herrings in a barrel, while the small boats
returned to pick off the rest. This proved no easy matter in
any ca&e, while in others it was found impossible ; so that
LOSS OF H.M.S ATALANTE. 217
many men had to swim for it ; others were drag<^ed through
the waves by ropes, and some were forked off by oars and
other small spars.
Amongst the crew there was one famous merry fellow, a
black fiddler, who was discovered, at this critical juncture,,
clinging to the main-chains, with his beloved Cremone
squeezed tightly, but delicately, under his arm ; a ludicrous
picture of distress, and a subject of some joking amongst the
men, even at this moment. It soon became indispensable
that he should lose one of two things — his fiddle or his life.
So, at last, after a painful struggle, the professor and his
violin, were obliged to part company !
The poor negro musician's tenacity of purpose arose from
sheer love of his art; but there was another laugh raised
about the same time, at the expense of the captain's clerk,
who, stimulated purely by a sense of duty, lost all recollection
of himself, in his anxiety to save what was entrusted to his-
care, and thus both he and his charge had nearly gone to the
bottom. This zealous person had general instructions, that
whenever guns were fired, or any other circumstance occurred
likely to shake the chronometer, he was to hold it in his hand,
to prevent the concussion deranging its works. As soon,
therefore, as the poor ship dashed against the rocks, the clerk's
thoughts naturally turned exclusively on the time-piece. He
caught up the precious watch, and ran on deck ; but being
no swimmer, was obliged to cling to the mizen-mast, where
he stuck fast, careless of everything but his important trust.
When the ship fell over, the mast became nearly horizontal,
and he managed to creep along till he reached the mizzen-top,
where he seated himself in some trepidation, grinning like a
monkey who has run off with a cocoa-nut, till the spar gave
way, and he was plunged, chronometer and all, right over-
board. Every eye was now turned to the spot, to see whether
this most public-spirited of scribes was ever to appear
again; when, to the great joy of all hands, he emerged
from the waves — watch still in hand ! but it was not with-
out great difficulty that he was dragged into the boats, half
drowned.
With the exception of this fortunate chronometer, and the
admiral's despatches, which the captain had secured when
the vessel struck, everything on board was lost.
The pinnace now contained seventy-nine men and one
woman, the cutter forty-two, and the gig eighteen, with
^18 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
which cargoes they barely floated. Captain Hickey, of course,
was the last man who left the wreck ; though such had be-
<5ome the respect and affection felt for him by the crew, that
those who stood along with him on the last vestige of the
ship evinced great reluctance at leaving their commander
even for a moment in such a perilous predicament. So speedy,
indeed, was the work of destruction, that by the time the
captain reached the boat, the wreck had almost entirely
" melted into the yeast of waves." As she went down, the
crew gave her three hearty cheers, and then finally abandoned
the scattered fragments of what had been their house and
home for nearly seven years.
The fog still continued as thick as ever; and, as the binna-
cles had both been washed overboard, no compass could be
procured. The wind also being still light, there was a great
-difficulty in steering in a straight line. Had there been a
breeze, it would perhaps have been easier to have shaped a
<jourse. In this dilemma a resource was hit upon, which, for
A time, answered pretty well to guide them. It being known,
loosely, before leaving the wreck, in what direction the land
was situate, the three boats were placed in a row pointing
that way. The sternmost boat then quitted her station in
the rear, and pulled a-head till she came in a line with the
other two boats, but took care not to go as far as to be lost
in the fog; the boat which was now furthest astern, then
rowed a-head as the first had done ; and so on, doubling along
one after the other. This tardy method of proceeding answered
only for a time ; for at length they found themselves com-
pletely at a loss which way to steer. Precisely at this moment
of greatest need, an old quarter-master, Samuel Shanks by
name, recollected that at the end of his watch-chain there
hung a small compass-seal. This precious discovery being
announced to the other boats by a joyous shout from the
pinnace, and the compass being speedily handed into the gig,
to the captain, it was placed on the top of the chronometer,
so nobly saved by the clerk. As this instrument worked on
^imbles, the little needle remained upon it sufficiently steady
for steering the boats within a few points.
The course now secured insured their hitting the land, from
which they had been steering quite wide. Before reaching
the shore, they fell in with an old fisherman, who piloted them
to a bight called Portuguese Cove, where they all landed in
LOSS OF H.M.S ATALANTE. 219
safety, at the distance of twenty miles from the town of
Halifax.
The fishermen lighted great fires to warm their shivering
guests, most of whom being very lightly clad, and all, of
course, dripping wet, were in a very sorry predicament;
many of them, also, were miserably cramped, by close packing
in the boats.
Some of them, especially of those who entered the boats
last, having been obliged to swim for their lives, had thrown
off every thing but their trousers : so that the only respect-
ably-dressed persons out of the whole party was old Shanks,
the owner of the watch and compass-seal — a steady hard-a-
weather sailor, who, throughout, took the whole affair as
-deliberately as if shipwreck had been an every- day occurrence.
He did not even take off his hat, except, indeed, to give his
good ship a cheer as she went to the bottom.
Their subsequent measures were soon decided upon. The
captain carried the three boats round to the harbour, taking
with him the men who had suffered most fatigue, and those
who were worst off for clothes. The officers then set out with
the rest, to march across the country to Halifax, in three
divisions, keeping together with as much regularity as if they
had been proceeding upon some previously arranged piece of
service. Very few of the party could boast of shoes — an
inconvenience which was felt more severely than it other-
wise would have been, from their having to trudge over a
country but partially cleared of wood. Notwithstanding all
this, there was not a single straggler ; and the whole ship's
company, officers, men and boys, assembled in the evening at
Halifax, in as exact order as if their ship had met with no
accident.
sufferings during winter of
Eight Seamen in Greenland.
On the 1st of May, 1630, three ships left England under the
command of Captain William Goodler, and having a fair wind,
arrived safely at their destined port in Greenland, on the 11th
of June following ; their orders were, to stay at the Foreland
220 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
until the 15th of July, and in case they should not by that
time meet with success in fishing, then to send one of the
ships to the eastward, to a place about eighty leagues distant,,
which at the latter end of the year is much frequented by
whales. A second of the three ships was designed for Green
Harbour, about fifteen leagues to the southward of the third
ship, the Salutation, on board of which were the eight seamen,
the subject of the following narrative, appointed to stay at
the Foreland until the 20th of August ; but the captain having
made a good voyage at Bell Sound, despatched a shallop with
orders for them to join him there, that they might take in
some of his train oil, by joining their forces, make the fleet
so much stronger for the defence of the merchants' goods
homeward-bound, the Dunkerquers being very strong and
rife at sea in those days. Accordingly, on the 8th of August
they directed their course to the southward, towards Green
Harbour, there to take on board twenty of their men who
had been sent into the smaller vessel to assist in navigating
her.
The wind being contrary, they were obliged to lie to. On
the 15th the weather was calm and clear, the ship being a few
leagues from Black Point, and about five from a place called
the Maiden's Paps, which abounds in venison, the master sent
eight of them in a shallop to hunt and kill deer for the ship's
provision. These were WQliam Fakely, Gunner; Edward
Pelham gunner 's-mate ; John Wise and Eobert Goodfellow,
seamen; Thomas Ayres, whale-cutter; Henry Bett, cooper,,
and John Dawes and Kichard Kellet, landsmen. They left
the ship, and taking with them a musket, two lances, a
tinder-box, and a brace of dogs, they directed their course;
towards the shore, where they arrived in four hours; the
weather being at the time fair and clear, and in every respect
favourable to their intentions. That day they killed fourteen
deer, and being weary with rowing and hunting, they made a
repast on such provisions as they had brought with them,
resolving to rest on shore that night, and to return on board
the next day.
In the meantime, however, the weather grew thick, the
wind shifted to the south, and drove a great quantity of ice
between the shore and the ship, which, to avoid the danger
to which she was exposed, was obliged to put off to sea, so
that the men on shore entirely lost sight of her. Uncertain
as to their fate, and the weather growing still thicker, they
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 221
considered it their best course to hunt along the shore, and
to make the best of their way to Green Harbour, where they
might go on board the other vessel, until their own should
come into port.
Thus coasting along, they killed eight more deer, which
they took on board the shallop, and on the 19th arrived at
Green Harbour ; but, to their great surprise and astonishment,
they found that the ship was gone. They were utterly at a
loss how to account for her departure, as they knew that she
had not sufficient provisions on board to last till she reached
home.
Finding themselves thus disappointed in their expectations,
and it being within three days of the time fixed for the
departure of the vessels from the coast, they resolved to
proceed with all possible expedition to Captain Goodler, at
Bell Sound ; and in order to make the better way, they threw
all their venison overboard. Bell Sound is situate about
sixteen leagues to the southward of Green harbour, and the
first night they had proceeded about halfway to a point of
land called the Low Ness, where there came on so thick a fog,
that they were obliged to lie-to between two rocks, from the
night of the 17th till the following day at noon ; when the
weather having cleared a little, they prosecuted their voyage ;
but having no compass, and neither of them being pilot enough
to know the land, they overshot Bell Point at least ten leagues
to the southward, towards Home Sound.
Some of them, meanwhile, conceived that it was impossible
they could be so long in proceeding eight leagues, and were
confirmed in the opinion that they had gone beyond the place
they intended by observing that the land trended away
towards the east. They therefore, contrary to the judgment
of their gunner, William Fakely, who had been in the country
five or six times before, altered their course, and steered away
to the northward. They had now actually approached within
two miles of Bell Point, when Fakely looking about declared
they were on a wrong course, and most of the company being
persuaded by the positive manner in which he spoke, they
turned the boat's head a second time to the westward, which
was the cause of all the subsequent misery and hardships they
endured.
Thus, on the 20th of August, they were a second time
running as far to the southward as before ; but as there was
no likelihood of their discovering the place they were in search
15
222 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of, they again turned the shallop to the northward, Fakely
still persisting in his former opinion, in which they no longer
placed any confidence, and he refused to steer the boat any
more. The weather continued fair, and an east wind spring-
ing up they took advantage of it, and set sail. The wind
increasing, carried their shallop along with great velocity, so
that on the 21st they arrived at Bell Point, when the wind
shifted and blew right out of the sound at E.N.E. with such
fury, that they were obliged to take in their sail, and by the
help of their oars approached to within two miles of the
shore.
They found that this was the place they had been so long
seeking, nor could Fakely himself forbear to acknowledge his
error. They immediately sought a harbour for the shallop,
and having brought her into it, two of the men were despatched
by land to the tent at Bell Sound, which was ten miles distant
from the place where they landed, to see whether the ships
were still there. Of this, however, they had little hope, as
the period fixed for their departure was past, and the wind
had been favourable for putting to sea. The men upon their
arrival found their fears verified, that the ships had left the
road, and returned to their companions with the melancholy
tidings ; but as it was impossible that the vessels might be at
Bottle Cove, three leagues distant on the other side of the
sound, they resolved to proceed there. They arrived at that
place on the 22nd, but finding no ships, they had little hope
of deliverance from the dangers in which they were involved.
If they had resolved to follow the ships, they had neither pilot
nor compass to direct them, and would be exposed to the most
imminent danger of perishing by the drifting ice ; if, on the
other hand, they resolved to stay at Bell Sound, they would
have no other prospect than that of a miserable and lingering
death, as they were totally unprovided with the means of
passing the winter in such an inclement climate.
Nor were their apprehensions altogether without founda-
tion. They well knew that neither Christian nor Heathen
had ever before inhabited that desolate region; they also
remembered that the merchants had offered great rewards to
any persons who would venture to pass the winter on this
coast, besides providing them with everything necessary for
such an undertaking, yet they could never find any so hardy
as to expose their lives to such a perilous experiment. They
had also heard that the Eussia Company had once procured the
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 223
reprieve of some criminals convicted of capital offences, to
whom they promised not only pardon for their crimes, but
likewise considerable gratuities, if they would undertake to
remain one whole year in Greenland, and that every way
provided for, both in clothes and victuals, and all things
needful for their preservation. These poor wretches, to escape
immediate execution at home, resolved to make trial of the
adventure. Upon their arrival there, however, the aspect of
■desolation which this dreary region exhibited, struck them
with such horror, that they resolved rather to return to
England, and to expiate with their lives the crimes they had
committed, than to remain there, though with the assured
hope of obtaining pardon. The captain who carried them
out, being a humane man, would not compel them to stay,
contrary to their inclinations, but carried them back to
England, where, through the intercession of the Eussia Com-
pany, they escaped that death to which they had been con-
demned.
To men in their situation these recollections were not cal-
culated to afford much encouragement : and another circum-
stance more terrible to them than both the former, for it was
likely to be their own case, tended greatly to augment their
apprehensions, this was the lamentable fate of nine men, who
had been abandoned in the same place, and by the same
master, who had left these eight men behind, who had all died
miserably upon the place, their carcases having been found
mangled by the savage bears and hungry foxes, which are the
only inhabitants of this comfortless country. Their lament-
able end was, indeed, sufficient to have daunted the spirits of
the most resolute and enterprising.
Their fears, however, did not proceed entirely from the
dreadful example of others, but the consideration of their
want of everything necessary to sustain the life of man, struck
them to the heart. They were not only unprovided with
clothes and food, but entirely destitute of a habitation capable
of sheltering them from the chiUing cold. After spending
some time in silent anguish, knowing that delay could only
be productive of new dangers, they began to conceive hope,
oven out of the depths of despair. Bousing their benumbed
faculties, they began to consider the most probable method
of preserving themselves in that place, seeing that all hopes
of returning to England that season were then quite frustrated.
It was unanimously agreed to take the opportunity of the
224 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
next fair weather, and to proceed to Green Harbour, to hunt
and kill venison for part of their winter provision.
Accordingly, on the 25 th of August, the wind and weather
being both fair, they set off for Green Harbour, where they^
arrived in twelve hours. Having landed, the first thing they
did was to construct a tent with the sail of their shallop,,
pitched up and spread upon the oars ; under this shelter they
resolved to pass that night, and the next day to return to-
their hunting. The weather proving fair and clear, they
made their sleep the shorter, and, in the morning, equipping
their shallop as well as they could, they proceeded to Cole's
Park, a place about two leagues distant ; and which Ayres-
assured them abounded with venison. They did not find so
many deer as they expected from his report, but killed seven
that day and four bears, whose flesh they likewise intended
to lay up for provision.
The weather beginning to be overcast, and not likely to-
continue favourable for hunting, they returned the same
night to Green Harbour, where they made a tent as before,
and betook themselves to rest. The next morning, finding^
the weather to be clearing up, six of them prepared to go a.
hunting with their two dogs, leaving Fakely and Dawes in
the tent to provide some refreshment against their return.
On their departure from the tent, they rowed towards Cole'a
Park. In the way, on the side of a hill by the sea side, they
discovered seven deer feeding, on which they landed, and by
the help of their dogs, killed six of them. The weather being
then again overcast, they thought it of little purpose to go
any farther at that time, but resolved to hunt along the
side of the hill, and at night return to their tent As they
proceeded they killed six more deer, when it began to blow
and rain and to be very dark; upon which they hastened
towards the tent with a view to rest for that night, and on
the next day to renew their hunting. This design being
prevented by the unfavourable state of the weather, they got
the bears and venison which they had killed on board the
shallop, and finding another boat which had been left behind
by some ship, they loaded it with the greaves of whales, boiled
the same year, which they found in great quantities strewed
upon the ground. Dividing themselves into two equal com-
panies, Fakely, with John Wise and two landsmen, took charge
of one shallop, while Pelham, Goodfellow, and two men went
on board the other, intending with the next fair weather ta
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 225
Teturn to Bell Sound, where they designed to winter. Every
thing was ready for their departure, when they were overtaken
by so intense a darkness, that they were obliged to remain
that night where they were ; and the following day being
Sunday, they resolved to rest in order to observe it with the
greater respect.
The weather on Monday morning being fair and clear, they
set off at day-break ; but after rowing about four hours, the
sky began to be overcast, and the wind blew so hard that it
was impossible for them to reach Bell Sound. The next
morning they reached Bottle Cove, where they were obliged
to remain, as the violence of the wind prevented them from
proceeding farther. Having fastened the head of one of the
shallops to the stern of the other with a rope, they cast anchor
and went on shore, leaving the boats riding in the Cove. In
the meantime the wind increasing, blew with great violence
into the Cove, and the sea ran so high that their anchor came
home, and the shallops being dashed against the shore, sunk
with all their provisions. Some of it having been washed out
of the boats by the waves, they found it floating up and down
the beach. Their feelings can only be conceived, when, run-
ning out of the tent, they saw the best part of their provisions,
the only hope of their lives, which they had taken such pains
and run such risks to procure, in danger of being utterly lost,
or, at smy rate, spoiled by the salt water. In this dilemma,
they saw no other way of saving the remainder of their store,
ready to be washed away by the billows, than to run into the
eea and thus get to their shallops, which they drew on shore
by means of a hawser, and then ranged along the coast, seeking
and taking up such of their provisions as had been washed
out of the boats.
On the 3rd of September, the wind having died away, and
the weather proving more favourable to their design, they
launched their shallops, and on the same day reached Bell
Sound, where their first business was to secure their provisions.
Their next occupation was to take a particular survey of the
place, and especially the great tent, that being the intended
place of their habitation the ensuing winter. The great tent,
its they called it, was a kind of house built of timber in a very
substantial manner, and covered with flemish tiles; it was
about eighty feet in length and twenty feet in breadth, and
had been erected for the coopers to work and lodge in, during
the time they were making casks for barrelling the train oil.
226 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The weather soon after their arrival became very cold, and
the frost was so severe that they durst not venture on another
voyage to Green Harbour, as they were apprehensive that the
Sound would freeze, and thereby prevent them from returning
to their tent ; for they knew it would be in vain to attempt
the journey by land, as the country was so extremely moun-
tainous.
In order that they might better secure themselves from the
cold, they resolved, with all possible expedition, to build a
smaller house within the larger one. They commenced, there-
fore, by taking down a small building which stood near the
other, in which the men lodged while they made the oil.
They took away the materials, which furnished them with
one hundred and fifty deal boards, besides posts and stanchions
or rafters, and from three chimneys of the furnaces for boiling
oil, they brought a thousand bricks. They also found three
hogsheads of very fine lime, and fetched another from Bottle
Cove : this they mixed with the sand of the sea shore, and made
very excellent mortar. They immediately set to work, but
the cold was so intense that they were obliged to keep up two
large fires to prevent the mortar freezing. Fakeley and
Pelham undertaking the masonry part, they began to raise a
wall of the thickness of one brick against the inner planks
of the side of the tent, and while they were laying the bricks,
the rest of the company were otherwise employed, some in
taking down the bricks, others in making them clean and
carrying them to the tent in baskets, some in making mortar
and cutting boards to build the other side, and some in
curing their venison.
Having built the two outermost sides of the tent with
bricks and mortar, and the former being nearly all used, they
were obliged to construct the other two sides in the follow-
ing manner. They first nailed the deal boards on one side
of the post or stanchion, to the thickness of a foot, and oa
the other side in the same manner ; then filling up the vacant
space with sand, it became so tight that not a breath of air
could penetrate. — The vent of the chimney led into the greater
tent, being the breadth of one deal board, and about four feet
in length. Their small tent was about twenty feet in lengthy
sixteen in breadth, and about ten feet in height. The roof
was of deal boards, laid over five or six times, the middle of
of each plank covering the joining of the two underneath, so
that no wind could possibly find its way between. As for
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 227
the door, besides making it as close as it would shut, they
lined it with a bed which they found there, and which pre-
vented the entrance of the air, whether it was open or shut.
They made no windows, so that all the light they received
was from the vent of their chimney, through the greater tent,
by removing two or three tiles from the roof. Their next
work was to set up four cabins, where they lay two and two,
on the deer-skins dried, and which they found to be extremely
warm and comfortable. The next subject which occupied
their attention, was that of fuel; they examined all the
shallops which had been left ashore by diff'ereut ships, and
found seven of them so crazy as not to be serviceable for
another year; these they made bold with, and broke up, and
then carried them into their house, where they stowed them
away over the beams, in the manner of a floor, intending also
to stow the rest of their firing over them, so as to make the
outer tent warmer, and to keep the snow from drifting into
it through the tiles.
The weather having now become much colder, and the
days very short, or rather no day at all, they began to stave
some empty casks which they had left there the year before,
which they did to the extent of one hundred tons, at least ;
they also made use of some planks, and two old coolers for
cooling oil, and whatever they thought mii^^ht be spared with-
out detriment to the next year's voyage. They thus collected
all the firing they possibly could, with the exception of the
shallops and coolers, the destruction of which might have
materially affected the success of the next year's voyage, to
the great injury of the company, whose advantage these men,
being their servants, invariably consulted. Considering the
length of time they were likely to remain in this dreary
situation, they felt the necessity of husbanding their stock as
much as possible ; to effect which, they soon discovered the
following method. When they raked up their fire at night,
with a large quantity of ashes and embers, they put a piece of
elm-wood into the middle of it, which, after lying sixteen
hours, they found, upon breaking it up, that it was all on
fire; this method they regularly continued, and their fire
never went out for about eight months.
Being now provided with as good a habitation as they
could reasonably expect, and a fair supply of fuel, a small
quantity of drift-ice appeared in the sound, on the 12th of
September : on a piece of this ice they discovered two sea-
228 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
horses asleep, and instantly launching one of their boats, they
hastened to attack them : after rowing some time, they came
so near that the shallop touched one of them, when Fakeley
struck a harpoon into the old one, which the rest soon
dispatched with their lances. The younger, being unwilling
to leave her dam, continued to swim about the boat till they
also killed her with their lances. They then hauled them
into the boat, and rowing ashore, flayed their prizes, and cut
them into pieces. On the following day they also killed
another in the same manner.
The night had now increased so much, and the cold became
so intense, that they lost all hope of obtaining any more pro-
visions before the spring, as they could only now and then
expect to kill a bear that might chance to straggle near them. —
Having, therefore, taken a more accurate survey of their
stock of provisions, which they found much too small for their
company, and the time they had to remain, they agreed to
come to an allowance, to stint themselves to one reasonable
meal a day ; and on Wednesdays and Fridays to allow them-
selves only the fritters or greaves of the whale, which was a
very loathsome food; and on this diet they continued for
about three months.
Their clothes and shoes were by this time worn to pieces,
and it was therefore necessary to invent some method of
repairing them. This they efifected by contriving thread of
rope-yarn, and needles of whale-bone. The nights were now
very long, and by the 10th of October, the cold was so intense,
that the sea was frozen over. Being thus prevented from
pursuing their usual occupations, and having nothing upon
which to exercise their minds, their imaginations began to be
harassed with a thousand distressing ideas. They had now
more than sufficient leisure to bewail their miserable condition,
to reflect on their separation from their wives and children,
and to imagine how afflicting to them and to their parents
must be the thought of their fate. At other times they
cheered themselves with the consolation that their friends
might derive from the hope that it would please the Almighty
to preserve them till the following year. Sometimes they
varied their griefs, now complaining of the cruelty of the
master of their vessel who left them in these distresses, and
then not only excusing, but lamenting both him and his com-
pany, as they feared they might have been overtaken by the
ice, and thus miserably perished.
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 229
Tormented thus in mind with doubts, fears, and griefs, and
in body with hunger, cold, and want, the hideous monster
despair began now to present himself to their imaginations
in his most terrible form, and endeavoured to seize them as
its prey. Eeflecting, however, that they ought not to give
themselves too much to grief, they redoubled their prayers to
the Almighty for strength and patience in their miseries, and
by his blessing, banishing these desponding thoughts, they
cagain cheered themselves up to use the best means for their
preservation.
On again inspecting their provisions and dreading lest
their fuel should fail them, they thought it best to roast half
s. deer every day, and stow it in hogsheads, leaving as much
raw as would serve them to roast a quarter every Sunday,
and the same for Christmas-day, and other such like occasions.
To their great mortification they found that all their whale
fritters were almost spoiled by the wet, which they had taken;
And had grown mouldy by lying so close together. They also
discovered that they had not a sufficient quantity of bear and
venison to allow themselves five meals a-week, as heretofore;
they therefore abridged their stomachs of another meal, so
that for three months afterwards they fed three days in the
week on the unsavoury and mouldy fritters, and feasted the
other four on bear and venison ; and, to add to their distresses,
they not only were in want of meat, but began now to want
light also : all their meals were suppers ; even the glorious
sun, as if unwilling to behold their miseries, concealed his
face under the sable veil of the darkest night.
From the 14th of October, to the 3rd of February, they
never saw the sun, nor did he, during that period, ever appear
above the horizion. The moon, however, when not obscured
by clouds, shone both day and night as bright as she appears
in England. The sky, it is true, was frequently very much
•overcast all the winter time, so that they could not always
see the moon so well, nor discern in what point of the com-
pass she was. They had, indeed, a kind of daylight which
glimmered upon them about eight hours a day ; this was in
October ; but from that time till the 1st of December, even
that light was shortened ten or twelve minutes a day. From
the 1st to the 20th of December, there appeared no light at
all ; but that whole period was one continued night ; all they
xjould perceive was, that now and then, in clear weather, a
glare of white, like the dawn of day, appeared towards the
230 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
south; but not any light. This continued to the 1st of
January, when they could perceive that the day began to
increase a little.
During this period of darkness, they could not tell with
certainty when it was day or when night, excepting by an
observation which Pelham, the gunner's-mate kept, in the
following manner. First bearing in mind the number of the
epact, he made his addition by a day supposed, though not
absolutely to be known, on account of the darkness, by thi&
he judged the age of the moon, and kept such an account of
the time, that when, afterwards, the ships arrived, and they
met their countrymen, he could tell them the day of the'
month as exactly as they could tell him.
At the beginning of the dark and irksome season, they
sought some means of preserving a light. This they accom-
plished, when, having found a piece of sheet lead over the
seam of one of the coolers, they ripped it off and made three
lamps of it. These they supplied with oil, which they found in
the cooper's tent, and making wicks of rope-yarn, they kept
them continually burning, which was a great comfort to them
in their extremity.
Thus, although they neglected nothing that could contribute
to their preservation, yet they could not secure themselves
from that depression of spirits which was naturally produced
by the reflection on their wretched condition. In the
painful feeling of their misery, they sometimes indulged in
reproaches against those who had involved them in such
distress, but at other times they considered it was a punishments
for their former wicked lives, and humbling themselves before
the mighty hand of God, they cast themselves down in prayer,
two or three times a day, which was a practice they continued
during the whole course of their misery.
The new year now commenced, and as the days lengthened
the cold increased, till at length it became so intense, that it
raised blisters on their flesh, as if they had been burned ; and
if they touched iron it would adhere to their fingers, like bird-
lime. Sometimes, if they only went out to fetch a little water,,
the cold would seize them in such a manner that they would
return with their bodies as sore as if they had been cruelly
beaten.
During the early part of the winter, they found water
tinder the ice that lay upon the beach. The water issued from
a cliff of ice and ran into a hollow in the beach, where it was
SEAMEN LEFT IN GREENLAND. 231
covered with a thick ice, which they daily broke with pickaxes-
at a certain place, and took as much water as they wanted
for drinking. This continued till the 10th of January, when
they were obliged to make shift with snow-water, which they
obtained by putting hot irons into the snow, and this was-
their drink until the 20 th of May.
By the end of January the length of the days had increased
to seven or eight hours. About this time they took another
survey of their provisions, which they found to be so short
that they could not expect them to last above six weeks longer.
This again filled them with apprehensions of famine ; but, as
in all their other extremities, they had recourse to the great
Father of all, whom they knew could help them, although at
that time they saw no room for hope.
In this manner they passed their time till the 5 th of Feb-
ruary, which, though a fair clear day, proved intensely cold.
It was near noon when the clouds which had obscured the
morning sky being dispersed, Aurora, with her golden face,,
once more smiled upon them. The glorious sun with his
glittering beams began to gild the tops of the lofty mountains,,
and the whiteness of the snow lit up the brilliancy of the
sun's rays, afforded the most cheering and animated spectacle ;
and, to add to their joy, they observed a she-bear with a cub
approaching their habitation, on which, seizing their lances,
they sallied forth to meet her. The old one soon discovered
and hastened towards them, but they gave her such a gallant
reception with their lances, that she fell down biting the snow
with rage, but the cub ran away and escaped. The weather
was so intensely cold that they could not remain out any
longer; retiring, therefore, to the tent, they first warmed
themselves, and then returned to secure their prize. Having
flayed her, they cut the carcase up into pieces of about a stone
weight, one of which served them for their dinner, and upon
this bear they lived for three weeks. It proved to be very
good eating, and even better than the venison : but upon
eating the liver, their skins peeled off, though it is a remark-
able circumstance, that several who were ill before eating of
the liver, recovered their health immediately after.
This supply being exhausted it became absolutely necessary
to seek some other provision, or to begin upon their cask of
roasted venison, which they were very unwilling to do, for
fear it should be consumed before the fleet arrived from
England. These fears, however, were soon banished, as the>
232 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
habitation was soon visited by great numbers of bears. They
counted, at different times, at least forty of these animals, of
which they killed seven, one on the 2nd of March, another on
the 4th, and on the 10th, one of extraordinary size, being not
less than six feet in height. These they flayed and roasted on
wooden spits, as they had no other kitchen furniture, except
a frying-pan which they found in the tent; and the flesh
proved to be as good savoury meat as any beef could be.
Having now a tolerable stock of provisions, they increased
their allowance, eating frequenly two or three meals a day,
which gave them new strength and spirits.
The days had now lengthened considerably; and several
kinds of birds, which had deserted those parts during the
winter, began to resort thither for the purpose of breeding.
On the arrival of these birds, the foxes, which all the winter
remain in their burrows under the rocks, make their appear-
ance in search of prey. They set three traps for these animals,
baiting them with the skins of the birds which they found on
the snow ; for the legs of this fowl, which is about the size
of a duck, are placed so near the rump, that when once it
alights upon the ground, it is seldom or ever able to rise again.
In this manner they caught about fifty foxes, all of which
they found to be good eating. They also took a bearskin, and
laying the flesh side upwards, they made springs of whalebone,
in which they caught above sixty of the above-mentioned
birds.
On the 16th of March, one of their two mastiff dogs left
the tent in the morning, and never returned to them, so that
they were ignorant of what became of him.
The weather having grown warm, by the 1st of May, they
were able to go abroad in quest of more provisions. They
therefore went out every day, but met with nothing till the
24th of May, when, discovering a buck, they thought to have
hunted him down with their dog, but he had become so fat
and lazy, that he would not pursue the deer. Seeking farther,
they found a number of the eggs of the willock, a bird about
the size of a duck, but there being only two of them, they
could not carry home above thirty. The next day they
intended to have returned for more, but it proved so cold,
with an easterly wind, that they could not stir out of the
tent.
Staying at home, therefore, on the 25th, they that day
omitted their ordinary practice in fair weather, of going every
SEAMEN LEFT IxN GREENLAND. 23^
day or every second day, to the top of a mountain, to se®'
whether the main ice in the sound was broken. This had
not been the case till the preceding day, when a violent wind
coming from the sea, broke the ice, and then shifting to the
east, carried it out to sea, and for a great way cleared the
sound. The ice, however, still lined the shore to the distance
of at least three miles from their tent.
On the 26th of May, they being then all at home, two Hull
ships entered the Sound. The master knowing that some men
had been left behind the year before, and anxious to learn if
they were still living, sent off a shallop, and ordered the men
to row as fast up tne Sound as possible and then to proceed
to the tent by land. Upon their arrival, they found the
shallop, which had been hauled from the tent to the water,
with the intention of seeking for seahorses, the first fair
weather, and equipped with every thing necessary for the
expedition ; and although they doubted the possibility of any
men being able to survive a winter in Greenland, still this
sight gave them some room for hope. Taking their lances,
therefore out of the boat, they advanced towards the tent.
Those in the tent heard nothing of them, as they were
assembled in the inner tent, and about to go to prayers,
excepting Thomas Ayers, who was still in the outer tent.
The Hull men, on coming up, hailed with the usual seaman's
cry, " Hey ! " which he answered. This threw them into the
greatest amazement; and those within hearing the noise,
immediately run out of the tent, all black as they were with
the smoke, and their clothes torn to rags with wearing them
so long. The uncouth appearance which they presented
increased the surprise of the Hull men : but perceiving they
were the very men that had been left there the year previous,
they joyfully embraced them, and accompanied them into the
tent, where these strange adventurers set before their
deliverers the best fare they could, which was venison
roasted about four months before, and a cup of cold water,
which, for the sake of the novelty, chey kindly accepted.
Having satisfied, as well as they were able, the numerous
inquiries which were made, they agreed to return with the
Hull men on board the ship, when they were welcomed in
the heartiest and kindliest English manner. They remained
on board till the arrival of the London fleet, which they were
told was expected to arrive the next day.
After waiting three days, which seemed inexpressibly^
234 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
tedious, so desirous were they of hearing from their wives and
children, the London fleet, to their great joy, arrived in the
port on the 28th of May. They immediately went on board
Ooptain Goodler's ship, where that gentleman received them
in the kindest manner, giving orders that they should have
anything in the ship, that might do them good, and renew
their strength ; and at the same time furnishing them with
-clothes at his own cost.
After a fortnight's rest and refreshment, they all perfectly
recovered their health and strength, upon which the captain
sent Fakely, Wise, Ayres, and Goodfellow, according to their
-desire, to the ship to which they had belonged. It was natur-
ally to be expected that after enduring such hardships, partly
through the master's means, they would be as kindly welcomed
AS the prodigal that was lost and found again ; but they had
no sooner entered the ship, than he called them runaways,
and used other harsh and unbecoming expressions. The
others remained with Captain Goodler, from whom they
^experienced the kindest treatment.
They were now contented to remain in this inhospitable
region till the 20th of August, when, with joyful hearts, they
•embarked for their native land ; and though sometimes crossed
with contrary winds, they at length came safely to anchor in
the river Thames : and thus, by the blessing of God, all eight
of them reached home safe and sound.
Loss OF THE MEDUSE,
ON THE
WEST COAST OF AFRICA.
It is almost impossible for the imagination to conceive a more
oomplicated picture of misery and horror than that presented
by the unfortunate crew of La Meduse, who took refuge upon a
raft. Indeed, there is hardly an instance in the whole history
of maritime disaster, which presents, in such fearful association,
the black catalogue of miseries and crimes so often attendant
LOSS OF THE MEDUSE. 235
tipon accidents at sea. The fierce passions of uneducated man,
goaded into madness by desperation, and bursting in fury into
acts of mutiny and murder ; the gnawing pangs of hunger and
thirst, till the exhausted frame, unable to move, is only excited
into action by craving for the most loathsome sustenance ; the
constant exposure to the burning rays of the sun, the chilling
winds at night, and unceasing immersion in the sea, till the
flesh breaking out in horrible disease, becomes revolting to the
sight ; these form a picture of human misery so dreadful to
contemplate, that the reader becomes naturally incredulous of
the possibility of human nature surviving such complicated
horrors. It is, nevertheless, a plain statement of facts, unem-
bellished by ornament or fiction.
The French possessions on the west coast of Africa, extend-
ing from Cape Blanco to the mouth of the Gambia, having
been restored at the general peace, in 1814, an expedition,
consisting of a frigate and three other vessels, was sent, in the
month of June, 1816, to take possession of them. It was
complete in all its parts, as the French expeditions usually
are, iaicluding men of science, artisans, agriculturists,
gardeners, miners, &c. amounting, with the troops, to nearly
400 persons, exclusive of the crews. The naval part was
instrusted to M. de Chaumareys, who had the command of the
frigate, La Meduse, of forty-four guns.
Owing to a very relaxed state of discipline, and ignorance
of the common principles of navigation, this frigate was suffered
to run aground on the bank of Arguin. Attempts were made
to get her off, but it was soon discovered that all hopes of saving
her must be abandoned, and that nothing remained but to
concert measures for the escape of the passengers and crew.
Some biscuits, wine, and fresh water, were accordingly got up
and prepared for putting into the boats, and upon a raft which
had been hastily constructed; but, in the tumult of abandoning
the wreck, it happened that the raft, which was destined to
carry the greatest number of people, had the least share of the
provisions: of wine, indeed, it had more than enough, but not a
single barrel of biscuit.
There were five boats ; in the first were the governor of
Senegal and his family, in all thirty-five; the second took
forty -two persons; the third twenty-eight; the fourth, the
long-boat, eighty-eight; the fifth twenty-five; and the jolly-
boat fifteen, among whom were four children, and some ladies.
The military had, in the first instance, been placed upon the
236 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
raft — the number embarked on this fatal machine was
not less than 150 ; making, with those in the boats a total
of 397.
On leaving the wreck, M.Corr^ard, geographical engineer
attached to the expedition, who had volunteered to accompany
his men on the raft, wishing to be assured that proper instru-
ments and charts for navigating it had been put on board, wa»
told by the captain that everything necessary had been pro-
vided, and a naval officer appointed to take charge of it ; this-
naval officer, however, jumped into one of the boats, and never
joined them.
The boats pushed off m a line, towing the raft and assuring
the people on board that they would conduct them safely to
land. They had not proceeded, however, above two leagues
from the wreck, when they, one by one, cast ofiP the tow-lines.
It was afterwards pretended that they broke ; had this even
been true, the boats might at any time have rejoined the raft ;
instead of which they all abandoned it to its fate, every one
striving to make olBf with all possible speed.
At this time, the raft had sunk below the water to the
depth of three feet and a half, and the people were so squeezed
one against another, that it was found impossible to move ^
fore and aft, they were up to the middle in water. In such
a deplorable situation, it was with difficulty they could per-
suade themselves that they had been abandoned ; nor would
they believe it until the whole of the boats had disappeared
from their sight. They now began to consider themselves as-
deliberately sacrificed, and swore, if ever they gained the shore^
to be revenged of their unfeeling companions. The conster-
nation soon became extreme. Everything that was horrible
took possession of their imagination ; all perceived their
destruction to be at hand, and announced by their wailings
the dismal thoughts by which they were distracted. The
officers, with great difficulty, and by putting on a show of
confidence, succeeded in restoring the men to a certain degree
of tranquillity, but were themselves overcome with alarm on
finding that there was neither chart, nor compass, nor anchor
on the raft. One of the men had fortunately preserved a
small pocket-compass, and this little instrument inspired them
with so much confidence, that they conceived their safety to
depend on it ; but this treasure was soon lost to them, as it
fell from the man's hand, and disappeared between the open-
ings of the raft.
LOSS OF THE MEDUSE. 237
None of the party had taken any food before they left the
ship, and hunger beginning to oppress them, they mixed the
biscuit, of which they had about five-and-twenty pounds on
board, with wine, and distributed it in small portions to each
man. They succeeded in erecting a kind of mast, and hoisting
one of the royals that had belonged to the frigate.
Night at length came on, the wind freshened, and the sea
began to swell ; the only consolation now was the belief that
they should discover the boats the following morning. About
midnight the weather became very stormy; and the waves
broke over them in every direction.
" During the whole of this night," said the survivors, " we
struggled against death, holding ourselves closely to the spars
which were firmly bound together ; tossed by the waves from
one end to the other, and sometimes precipitated into the
sea; floating between life and death; mourning over our
misfortunes, certain of perishing, yet contending for the re-
mains of existence with that cruel element which menaced to
swallow us up ; such was our situation till break of day —
horrible situation ! How shall we convey an idea of it which
will not fall far short of the reality ? "
In the morning the wind abated, and the sea subsided a
little ; but a dreadful spectacle presented itself — ten or twelve
of the unhappy men, having their limbs jammed between the
spars of the raft, unable to extricate themselves, had perished
in that situation ; several others had been swept off by the
violence of the waves. In calling over the list it was found
that twenty had disappeared.
All this, however, was nothing to the dreadful scene which
took place the following night. The day had been beautiful,
and no one seemed to doubt that the boats would appear in
the course of it, to relieve them from their perilous state ;
but the evening approached, and none were seen. From that
moment a spirit of sedition spread from man to man, and
manifested itself by the most furious shouts. Night came
on; the heavens were obscured by thick clouds; the wind
rose, and with it the sea ; the waves broke over them every
moment ; numbers were swept away, particularly near the
extremities of the raft ; and the crowding towards the centre
of it was so great, that several poor wretches were smothered
by the pressure of their comrades, who were unable to keep
on their legs.
Firmly persuaded that they were all on the point of being
16
238 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
swallowed up, both soldiers and sailors resolved to soothe
their last moments by drinking till they lost their reason.
They bored a hole in the head of a large cask, from which
they continued to swill till the salt water, mixing with the
wine, rendered it no longer drinkable. Excited by the fumes
acting on empty stomachs and heads already disordered by
danger, they now became deaf to the voice of reason ; and
boldly declared their intention to murder their officers, and
then cut the ropes which bound the rafts together : one of
them, seizing an axe, actually began the dreadful work. This
was the signal for revolt ; the officers rushed forward to quell
the tumult, and the man with the hatchet was the first that
fell — the stroke of a sabre terminated his existence.
The passengers joined the officers, but the mutineers were
still the greater number ; luckily they were but badly armed,
or the few bayonets and sabres of the opposite party could
not have kept them at bay. One fellow was detected secretly
cutting the ropes, and immediately flung overboard ; others
destroyed the shrouds and halyards, and the mast, deprived
of support, fell upon a captain of infantry, and broke his
thigh; he was instantly seized by the soldiers and thrown
into the sea, but was saved by the opposite party. A furious
charge was now made upon the mutineers, many of whom
were cut down. At length this fit of desperation subsided
into egregious cowardice : they cried out for mercy, and
asked forgiveness on their knees. It was now midnight,
and order appeared to be restored; but after an hour of
deceitful tranquillity, the insurrection burst forth anew : the
mutineers ran upon the officers like desperate men, each
having a knife or a sabre in his hand, and such was the fury
of the assailants, that they tore their flesh and even their
clothes with their teeth. There was no time for hesitation ;
a general slaughter took place; and the raft was strewed
with dead bodies.
Some palliation must be allowed on account of their miser-
able condition; the constant dread of death — want of rest
and of food — had impaired their faculties ; nor did the officers
themselves entirely escape. A sort of half-waking dream, a
wandering of the imagination, seized most of them: some
fancied they saw around them a beautiful country, covered
with the most delightful plantations ; others became wild
with horror, and threw themselves into the sea. Several, on
casting themselves off, said calmly to their companions, " I
LOSS OF THE MEDUSE. 239
um going to seek for assistance, and you shall soon see me
back again."
On the return of day it was found that in the course of the
preceding night of horror, sixty-five of the mutineers had
perished, and two of the small party attached to the officers.
One cask of wine only remained. Before the allowance was
served out, they contrived to get up their mast afresh, but
having no compass, and not knowing how to direct their
course, they let the raft drive before the wind, apparently
indifferent whither they went. Enfeebled with hunger, they
now tried to catch fish, but could not succeed, and abandoned
the attempt.
" It was necessary, however," said the survivors, " that some
extreme measure should be adopted to support our miserable
existence ; we shudder with horror on finding ourselves under
the necessity of recording that which we put into practice ;
we feel the pen drop from our hands; a deadly coldness
freezes all our limbs, and our hair stands on end. Readers,
we entreat you not to entertain, for men already too unfor-
tunate, a sentiment of indignation ; but to grieve for them,
and to shed a tear of pity over their unhappy lot."
The " extreme measure " was, indeed, horrible ; for the un-
happy men whom death had spared in the course of the night,
fell upon the carcases of the dead, and began to devour them.
Some tried to eat their sword-belts and cartridge-boxes, others
devoured their linen, and others the leathers of their hats :
but all these expedients, and others of a still more loathsome
nature, were of no avail.
A third night of horror now approached ; but it proved to
be a night of tranquillity, disturbed only by the piercing cries
of those whom hunger and thirst devoured. The water was
up to their knees, and they could only attempt to get a little
sleep by crowding closely together, so as to form an immov-
able mass. The morning's sun showed them ten or a dozen
unfortunate creatures stretched lifeless on the raft; all of
whom were committed to the deep, with the exception of one,
destined for the support of those who, the evening before, had
pressed his trembling hands in vowing eternal friendship.
At this period, fortunately, a shoal of flying fish, in passing
the raft, left nearly 300 entangled between the spars. By
means of a little gunpowder and linen, and by erecting an
empty cask, they contrived to make a fire; and mixing
with the fish the flesh of their deceased comrade, they ail par-
240 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
took of a meal, which, by this means, was rendered less re-
volting.
The fourth night was marked by another massacre. Som^
Spaniards, Italians, and negroes, who had taken no part with
the former mutineers, now entered into a conspiracy to throw
the rest into the sea. The negroes had persuaded the others
that the land was close to them, and that once on shore, they
would answer for their crossing Africa without the least
danger. A Spaniard was the first to advance with a drawn
knife, but the sailors seized and threw him into the sea. An
Italian, seeing this, jumped overboard ; the rest were easily
mastered, and order was once more restored.
Thirty persons only now remained, many of whom were in
a most deplorable state, the salt-water having entirely removed
the skin from their legs and thighs, which, with contusions
and wounds, rendered them unable to support themselves.
The remains of the fish and the wine were calculated to be
just enough to support life for four days ; but in these four
they also calculated that ships might arrive from St. Louis
to s^ave them. At this moment, two soldiers were discovered
behind the cask of wine, through which they had bored a hole
for the purpose of drinking it; they had, just before, all
pledged themselves to punish with death whoever should be
found guilty of such a proceeding, and the sentence was
immediately carried into execution, by throwing the culprits
into the sea.
Their numbers were thus reduced to twenty-eight, fifteen
of whom only appeared to be able to exist for a few days ;
the other thirteeen were so reduced, that they had nearly lost
all sense of existence. As their case was hopeless, and as,
while they lived, they would consume a part of the little that
was left, a council was held, and after a deliberation, at which
the most horrible despair is said to have prevailed, it was
decided to throw them overboard. " Three sailors and a soldier
undertook the execution of this cruel sentence. We turned
away our eyes, and shed tears of blood on the fate of these
unfortunate men ; but this painful sacrifice saved the fifteen
who remained ; and who, after this dreadful catastrophe, had
six days of suffering to undergo, before they were relieved from
their dismal situation." At the end of this period, a small
vessel was descried at a distance ; she proved to be the Argus
brig, which had been despatched from Senegal to look out for
them. All hearts on board were melted with pity at their
LOSS OF THE M E D U S E. 241
deplorable condition. "Let any one," say our unfortunate
narrators," figure to himself fifteen unhappy creatures, almost
naked, their bodies shrivelled by the rays of the sun, ten of
them scarcely able to move ; our limbs stripped of the skin ;
a total change in all our features ; our eyes hollow and almost
savage ; and our long beards, which gave us an air almost
hideous."
Such is the history of these unfortunate men. Of the 150
embarked on the raft, fifteen only were received on board the
brig, and of these six died shortly after their arrival at St.
Louis.
Of the boats, the whole of which, as we have already stated,
■deserted the raft soon after leaving the wreck, two only (those
in which the governor and the captain of the frigate had
embarked) arrived at Senegal: the other four made the shore
iu different places and landed their people. The whole
party suffered extremely from hunger, thirst, and the effects
of a burning sun reflected from a surface of naked sand ; but
with the exception of two or three, they all reached Senegal.
The governor, recollecting that the Meduse had on board a
very large sum of money, sent off a little vessel to visit the
wreck ; but as if, it would seem, that no one part of this
wretched expedition should reflect disgrace upon another,
with only eight days' provisions on board, so that she was
compelled to return without being able to approach it. She
was again sent out with twenty-five days' provisions, but being
ill found in stores and necessaries, and the weather being bad,
she returned to port a second time. On the third attempt
she reached the wreck, fifty-two days after it had been
abandoned ; but what were the horror and astonishment of
those who ascended its decks, to discover on board three
miserable wretches just on the point of expiring.
It now appeared that seventeen men had clung to the
wreck when the boats and the raft departed ; their first, object
had been to collect a sufficient quantity of biscuit, wine,
brandy, and pork, for the subsistence of a certain number of
-days. While this lasted, they were quiet ; but forty- two days
having passed without any succour appearing, twelve of the
most determined, seeing themselves on the point of starving,
resolved to make for land ; they therefore constructed a raft,
or float, which they bound together with ropes, and on which
tliey set off with a small quantity of provisions, without oars
and without sails, and were drowned. Another, who had
242 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
refused to embark with them, took it into his head a few
days afterwards, to try for the shore ; he placed himself in a
hen-coop, dropped from the wreck, and at the distance of
about half-a-cable's length from it, sunk to rise no more.
The remaining four resolved to die by the wreck ; one of them
had just expired when the vessel from Senegal arrived ; the
other three were so exhausted, that a few hours more would
have put an end to their misery.
About the time when this dreadful event occurred, the
Alceste frigate, which had been sent by the king of England
with an ambassador on a special mission to the emperor of
China, was also wrecked. But how different were the con-
sequences in the case of the English ship to those which
occurred in that of the Meduse. The two frigates were wrecked
nearly about the same time — the distance from the nearest
friendly port pretty nearly the same ; in the one case all the
people were kept together, in a perfect state of discipline and
subordination, and every one brought safely home from the
opposite side of the globe — in the other case, each seems to
have been left to shift for himself, and the greater part pe-
rished in the horrible way we have just seen.
Loss OF THE WINTERTON,
OFF THE
COAST OF MADAGASCAR.
The following narrative affords to seafaring men a convincing
example of the necessity of incessant vigilance, and the danger
of trusting in the slightest degree to conjecture when there is
any uncertainty. Of what importance is it advancing during
the night a few leagues, out of thousands that must be traversed
in a voyage, while the indulgence of such impatience may
prove the wreck of a noble ship, and the destruction of
hundreds of human lives ?
The Winterton, East Indiaman, commanded by Captain
Dundas, sailed from England, in the spring of 1792, with
every favourable circumstance that could flatter the expecta-
tion of those on board of a prosperous voyage ; the ship was
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 243
both roomy and sound, and the crew as orderly as ever
undertook a voyage to India. Captain Dundas was a com-
mander of experience, had previously sailed to India in the
same capacity, and was considered in every respect a good
seaman and an able officer.
Nothing of consequence occurred during their passage to the
Cape, where they arrived on the 20th of July, and remained
till the 1st of August. Having then completed their taking
in water, and other necessaries, they sailed at daylight with a
fresh breeze which continued two days, when the wind became
variable, but it soon returned to its original point.
On leaving the Cape it was the intention of Captain Dundas
to take the outward passage to India, but the variable winds
obliged him to deviate from his original design ; and on the
10th he bore away for the Mozambique Channel. Being
baffled for some days with light variable winds and calms,
their progress was inconsiderable ; but on Sunday, the 19th,
a south-west breeze sprung up, which they had every reason to
believe was the regular monsoon, as the ship was then in
about 27 deg. of south latitude.
Before standing to the northward, Captain Dundas was
particularly desirous of making the island of Madagascar,
somewhere near St. Augustine's Bay, so that they might avoid
the Bassas de Indias, a shoal uncertainly laid down in the
charts; and with this view they steered East, by compass, from
noon of the 19 th until midnight. The captain was then on
deck, and altered the course to E.N.E. He had two time
pieces, one of which had served him in his former voyage, and
by it he had constantly made the land with the greatest
degree of exactness. From these and from several sets of
lunar observations taken four days before — the whole of which
coincided with the time-pieces — he concluded with confidence
that at midnight they were eighty miles from the nearest part
of the coast.
For about two hours they steered E.N.E., when the captain
came again upon deck ; and observing the lower steering-sail
to lift, he ordered the ship to be kept KK by E. The wind
at that time was S.S.E., a moderate breeze, the ship going six
knots an hour, and a fine clear starlight night.
Every possible attention was paid to the look-out, Captain
Dundas himself with a night-glass looking carefully in the
direction of the land ; but so perfectly was he satisfied of the
correctuess of his time-pieces, that sounding was never once
244 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
mentioned. A little before three o'clock he pointed out the
ship's place on a chart, making it upwards of sixty miles from
the land ; aud when he left the deck at three he gave orders
to steer at N.E., observing, at the same time, that they could
not on that course make more than six miles of casting before
daylight, and if they were nearer to the land than he supposed,
it was impossible to avoid seeing it before any accident could
occur.
The captain had not left the deck above seven or eight
minutes, when the ship struck, going between six and seven
knots. The shock was scarcely perceptible, except to the
man at the helm; the water was perfectly smooth; no breakers
or surf were heard ; and yet, notwithstanding the clearness
of the night, there was no land discernible. The circumstances
were particularly unfortunate, it being then new moon and
high water.
Tiie jolly-boat and yawl were instantly got out, and found
five fathom water not a hundred yards astern ; the sails were
immediately thrown a-back, and every exertion made to get
the ship off, but without success. The kedge-anchor, with a
nine-inch hawser, was then carried out into five fathoms, by
which they strove to heave the vessel off, but all their efforts
were ineffectual. In the next place, the sails were handed,
the top-gallantmasts and yards struck, the long-boat got out,
the booms rafted alongside, and the upper deck entirely
cleared.
Daylight now disclosed to them the dangers of their
situation. The ship was on a reef of rocks, about six miles
from the land, and within the outer reef, and nearly half-way
to the shore was another, which was nearly covered at high
water.
The reef on which the Winterton struck, extended as far
as they could see to northward, and to the south nearly the
length of St. Augustine's Bay. As the tide ebbed the ship
beat violently, and began to leak, upon which a party of
recruits who were on board were set to the pumps, where
they continued as long as they could be of any service. By
eight o'clock the rudder was beat off, the sheathing came up
alongside, and there were only eight feet water under the
bows ; but as the vessel then lay comparatively quiet they
began to entertain a hope of being able to get her off with the
next high tide.
After breakfast they commenced getting the guns overboard,
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 245
which was done one at a time by means of the long boat, and
they were dropped at some distance from the ship, in order
that she might not strike on them when she should again be
elevated by the tide : at the same time a party was engaged
in heaving up the rudder and securing it alongside. After
about half the guns had been got away, a strong surf was
occasioned by the sea-breeze setting in fresh, so that the boats
could not remain alongside: however, they continued to lighten
the ship by throwing overboard such heavy acticles as would
float ; and at high water, about three in the afternoon, they
again made every exertion, but in vain, to heave the ship off.
Probably it was fortunate for them that they could not succeed
in their endeavours, as by this time the leak had gained so
much on the pumps, that, had their exertions proved success-
ful, they would have found it impossible to keep the ship
afloat, and she must consequently have foundered in deep water.
As the vessel appeared to be irrecoverably lost, it became
an object of the greatest importance to provide for the safety
of the crew and passengers ; and with a view to accomplish
so desirable an end, as well as surrounding difficulties would
admit, every effort was made to keep the ship together as
long as possible. The masts were cut away in order to relieve
the ship ; and those spars that were saved from the heavy
surf were stored up for the purpose of constructing rafts.
Their situation now became melancholy in the extreme;
the ship was likely to float a wreck, for all their endeavours
could but prove abortive, while every circumstance seemed to
-combine against them ; yet, resolved to do their best, they
collected a quantity of beef, bread, liquors, and other neces-
saries, with some barrels of gunpowder, muskets, and what-
ever was judged most necessary, and put them into the long-
boat ; but, fearful of the infatuation of intoxication to which
sailors are prone, even in such an awful condition, might
prove fatal to some of them, they staved every cask of spirits
that could be reached.
At sunset the second mate and the purser were sent on
shore in the yawl, to seek a convenient place for landing ; and
the other boats, with some people to watch them, were moored
astern of the ship at some distance, to keep them clear from
the surf. Captain Dundas observed the latitude at noon,
according to which the reef where the ship had struck was
about sixty-three miles north of the bay of St. Augustine in
the island of Madagascar.
246 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
In the course of the evening the captain had the people
assembled ; and in a short address, wherein he adverted to the
situation of the vessel, he directed the route they were to
take after getting on shore, and stated the great probability
of their meeting with a ship at the bay of St. Augustine's.
He particularly insisted on the absolute necessity of paying
the strictest obedience to the commands of their ofi&cers, at
the same time assuring them of his advice and assistance, and
concluded by stating it to be his fixed determination to abide
by the ship until he was convinced of the impossibility of
saving every person on board. This manly address did not
fail to produce the desired effect, and it was received with
three cheers, and a general promise of acquiescence in his and
his officer's commands.
About midnight they were alarmed by the cries of people
in distress, and upon repairing to the deck, had the morti-
fication to see the three boats dashed to pieces by the violence
of the surf. The wind had increased during the night, which
occasioned it to break out much farther than they expected.
With feelings of anguish and horror they beheld the poor
fellows who had been in the boats struggle to reach the ship,,
while the violence of the surf seemed to preclude the possi-
bility of their preservation. With the utmost exertion of
those on board the ship, they could only succeed in saving
three out of ten ; whilst many, almost in the act of grasping
a rope, were driven far out to sea and perished. They were
thus deprived of the only means of reaching the shore ; and
the same time the ship beat with such violence upon the
rocks, that it was doubtful whether she would hold together
till the morning. Their consternation and distress during the
few remaining hours of darkness must be left to the imagina-
tion to conceive, and the horrors of the night were augmented
by the ignorance of their real situation.
At daylight, on the 21st, they immediately began to con-
struct rafts of what spars and planks they had, and passed
the cables overboard to get at some that were upon the orlop-
deck ; they also cut the beams of the poop, shored the deck
up, and got it ready for a raft. About nine in the morning
the yawl, with the utmost difficulty, rowed off from the shore
through a tremendous surf, and soon afterwards came within
hail, but was desired to keep at a distance, as she could not
safely come alongside. Those who were on board her reported
that the beach was everywhere covered by a surf as far as
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 247
they could see. Soon afterwards the boat returned to the
shore, and they saw no more of her for several days. Three
or four rafts then left the ship, carrying nearly eighty persons,
who succeeded in reaching the shore in safety.
The sea-breeze was this day much stronger than before,
and the surf consequently much heavier, which increased
towards the evening, till it became so violent, that the hawser,
which held the ship-stern to, parted ; and about sunset the
vessel drove with her broadside upon the rocks, the sea
making a complete breach over her. At seven o'clock she-
parted at the Chestree, when all who remained crowded upon
the quarter-deck and poop. Mr. Chambers, the first mate,
though repeatedly urged to save his life, remained inactive,,
declaring his conviction that all his efforts would be in-
effectual ; and, with a perfect resignation to his own fate,
requested every one to provide for his own safety. The ship
soon afterwards broke up, when a scene ensued of such misery,
destruction, and horror, as has been rarely equalled, and,
perhaps, never exceeded. The third, fourth, and fifth mates
left the wreck at this instant, on a raft, which they had con-
structed for the purpose, and were rapidly wafted from their
ill-fated ship, beyond reach of the piercing cries of misery,
which, issuing from more than two hundred people, involved
in the most complicated affliction, may be conceived, but
language fails in attempting to portray.
Those on the raft, after driving all night in the expectation
that they should soon reach the shore, were most miserably
deceived, when, on the approach of daylight, they could not
even see land ; but, knowing the direction in which it lay,
they made strenuous exertions and got on shore about three
o'clock on the 22nd.
On journeying to the southward, they found that the poop
had driven on shore, with sixty people on it, among whom
were five ladies and several gentlemen. They could give no
account of the captain ; but it was subsequently ascertained
from the carpenter, that after the poop went away, the star-
board side of the wreck floated, broadside uppermost, when
Captain Dun das was washed through the quarter-gallery, and
was seen no more.
The rest of the people got on shore, some on pieces of the
wreck, and others in canoes, in which the natives came off to-
plunder the remains of the ship ; but it was not till Sunday
the 26th that the last of them landed. On mustering the
248 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
survivors, it was ascertained that Captain Dundas, Mr.
Chambers, three young ladies, and forty-eight seamen and
soldiers, had perished. Many articles from the wreck were
thrown upon the beach, but the natives secured everything of
value, and threatened with death those who attempted to
oppose them, and not satisfied with this, they even plundered
and stripped the poor destitute creatures whenever they could
find an opportunity. This disposition on the part of the
natives, together with the loss of their boats, rendered it
totally impossible for them to save any part of the treasure
or cargo.
In a few days the whole of the survivors arrived at Tulliar,
the residence of the king of Baba, where, for some days, they
remained in a state of the most anxious suspense for the fate
of the yawl, as on that alone depended their most distant hope
of relief, as the season was then so far advanced, that it was
extremely improbable that any vessel would touch at the bay
until the following year. They were, however, soon relieved
from their anxiety by the arrival of the yawl in the river
Tulliar, when they immediately got her up to the town, and
placed a guard over her to prevent the natives from stealing
her iron -work, which they certainly would have done had they
been at any distance from the king's residence.
A consultation of the officers was now held to consider the
best course to pursue under the existing circumstances, at
which it was agreed that Mr. John Dale, the third mate,
should proceed to Mozambique, and endeavour to procure a
vessel and that every person should exert himself to get the
boat ready with all possible despatch. Having no tools or
other necessary articles, the carpenters could only put a false
keel to her ; and, with the burthen board, raise her about five
inches forwards ; but they managed tolerably well with regard
to sails ; and, fortunately, a compass had been put into the
boat on the evening of the 20 th of August, and a quadrant
had been picked up on the beach : they could not, however,
procure a chart, or a single book of navigation, but a small
geographical grammar, obtained from one of the soldiers,
ultimately proved the means of preserving their lives.
On the 12th of September, their preparations being com-
plete, the third mate sailed, accompanied by the fourth officer,
four seamen, and M. de Souza, a passenger, whose knowledge
of the Portuguese language was likely to prove of considerable
eervice to them. They made a tolerable progress to the
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 24^
northward, with a pleasant westerly breeze for about two
days, and then the wind shifted to KKE. and never came
fair again ; and what added greatly to their disappointment,
was the discovery that their small stock of provisions, con-
sisting chiefly of cakes made of Indian corn, had become quite
rotten and so full of maggots, that they had nothing to subsist
upon but a few raw, sweet potatoes, and a little sugar-cane,,
with half-a-pint of water a day for each man. They were
obliged to restrict themselves to this short allowance, as
although they had about twenty-five gallons of water when
they sailed, yet the greater part of it, being contained in
calibashes, was lost, from the motion of the boat upsetting
and breaking them.
On the 20th of September they made the coast of Africa,
in the latitude of 18° S., having been carried by the currents
considerably further to the westward than they expected.
They had been for three days endeavouring to get to the
northward, but the wind still keeping N.E., they were unable
to make any progress ; and their stock of water decreasing
very rapidly, they judged it imprudent to persist any longer
in their design of reaching Mozambique, and changed their
course to Sofala, a Portuguese settlement, situate in 20° 30' S.
latitude, to which they were directed by the little book before-
mentioned.
During the run they put into two rivers, thinking it lay in
one of them ; and meeting with some inhabitants who spoke
Portuguese, they were advised to apprise the governor of their
wish to visit that place. The governor, when informed of
their situation, immediately despatched a letter with a season-
able supply of provisions, and a pilot to conduct them to Sofala,
where they arrived on the 29th of September. Through the
aid of M. de Souza, they informed the governor of their late
melancholy disaster, and solicited his assistance and advice
how to act. He received them with great kindness and
humanity, and desiring that they would not think of anything
for a few days but recruiting their wasted strength, he fur-
nished them with clothes, of which he observed they stood in
great need ; but with all his hospitality, there was a certain
reserve in his behaviour, for which they did not know how
to account. Probably he doubted their veracity, and suspected
them to be part of the crew of a Jbrench ship, come with the
intention of kidnapping the natives; but their ragged and
squalid appearance by no means justified such an apprehension.
250 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
His suspicions, however, soon vanished, and he then in-
iormed them that only one vessel came there annually ; that
•she had sailed about a month before, and would not return
;again till the following June ; adding, that as the N.E. monsoon
had set in, it would be impracticable to reach Mozambique
then, but that he would give them guides, if they chose, and
what was necessary to undertake a journey to Senna, an
inland Portuguese settlement, from whence they might have
an opportunity of getting to the capital. At the same time,
he represented the undertaking in so unfavourable a light,
together with the length of time that was likely to intervene
'before any opportunity might occur of enabling them to
proceed any further, that, on mature deliberation, they aban-
doned all thoughts of it, and directed their attention to a
boat belonging to the governor, about the size of an Indiaman's
long-boat, and made an application for it. The governor at
first made some scruple on account of payment, but Mr. Dale
offering to grant a bill on the East India Company for the
amount, he declined it, and made them a present of the boat.
With this they intended to proceed to Delagoa Bay,
which, with moderate winds, they might have accomplished
in a week. They knew that, at that time of the year, some
; South Sea ships must have been there, as forty or fifty gene-
rally arrive in the course of the year ; and were they so for-
tunate as to effect their object, it would not have been a
-difficult matter to have engaged one, or two if necessary, to
transport the people from Madagascar to the Cape of Good
Hope, for which place Mr. Dale had been instructed to procure
a vessel had he reached Mozambique. In case they should
not have succeeded in the first project, they determined to
make for the Cape, under the idea that some ship would
probably pick them up before reaching it.
Having, through the kindness of the governor, procured
<everything necessary for their intended voyage, they set sail
on the 12th of October, but their ill-fortune had not yet for-
saken them. They had been three days at sea, with constant
foul winds, and had not proceeded more than forty miles,
when they found their boat so extremely leaky, that, with
their utmost exertions, they could scarcely keep above water.
After various and frequent escapes from imminent danger
which they experienced, they regained Sofala, which although
^t so short a distance, they did not reach until the 20th of
'October.
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 251
Their reception was now widely different from what had
attended their first arrival. The governor scarcely deigning
to speak to them, sent for Mr. Dale, and Mr. Wilton, the
fourth officer ; and without so much as inquiring the reason
of their putting back, or into what difficulties they had
experienced, gave them to understand that he was preparing
to despatch some letters to Killeman, and that they must
immediately make themselves ready to accompany the person
who was to carry them. It was in vain they represented
their sickly and debilitated state, occasioned by the various
and unremitting fatigues which they had lately undergone —
it was in vain that they urged the necessity of rest to repair
their broken constitutions and wasted strength — the governor
was inexorable and deaf to all their entreaties. They then
applied to him for some kind of conveyance, when he offered
& kind of palaquin to the two officers, but positively refused
-any assistance to M. de Souza or the seamen. This was
rejected with indignation ; and, having provided themselves
with some cloth to purchase food for their subsistence on
their journey, they left Sofala on the 1st of November.
They were totally at a loss to account for the conduct of the
governor, so repugnant to the common feelings of humanity,
and so directly at variance with what they experienced at the
other Portuguese settlements; but their subsequent knowledge
of the governor's character, removed their surprise at his in-
hospitable behaviour, as it appears that such acts were con-
genial with his nature.
By the 20th of November they had travelled above two
hundred miles through a miserable tract of country, very
thinly inhabited, which might perhaps have been the result
of the slave trade at Mozambique. Sometimes, in the course
of forty miles, there was neither a hut nor a creature to be
seen, and to prevent any accident from the numerous wild
beasts which infest the country, they took the precaution of
sarrounding themselves at night with fire. But the excessive
heat of the climate and the intense fatigue which they had
endured, so totally overpowered them, that they remained for
a whole fortnight in the most deplorable state, until the
Governor of Senna hearing they were on the way despatched
palaquins for them. They arrived there the 6th of December,
where every care and attention was paid to them ; but not-
withstanding they received all the medical attention which
the place afforded, Mr. Wilton, a most worthy, active, and
252 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
promising young officer, and two seamen, died in a short time
after their arrival.
On the first notice of a vessel being ready to sail the
remainder of the party left Senna, in a vessel bound for
Killeman, where they arrived in a few days. From thence
they embarked on board a sloop, and on the 12th February,
1793, Mr. Dale, and M. de Souza, reached Mozambique, being
five months after sailing from Madagascar.
On their arrival they immediately waited upon the governor,
and detailed to him the loss of the Winterton, as well as
every circumstance which had occurred to them since they
departed from the island of Madagascar. Mr Dale also in-
formed him, that he had been deputed by his unfortunate
friends and shipmates to solicit the aid of the Mozambique
government in their behalf, and prayed him, no less in his
official than his individual capacity, to send a vessel for the
relief of those in whose behalf his assistance was entreated.
To this appeal the governor replied, that he felt every inclina-
tion to afford them the assistance they craved ; but that he
was prevented from fulfilling his intentions by reason that
there was no ship belonging to Her Majesty the Queen of
Portugal then in the harbour. In this situation of affairs,
Mr. Dale considered himself empowered, from his official em-
ployment, to freight a private vessel to the island of Mada-
gascar ; which the liberal conduct of the governor enabled
speedily to equip for the intended voyage.
As a French vessel was about to sail to the Mauritius, on
board of which M. de Souza intended to take his passage, Mr.
Dale embraced the opportunity of entrusting to his care
official letters to the East India Company as well as to the
different presidencies in India. In these he informed them
of the melancholy loss of the Winterton, and the various
exertions that had been made to alleviate the sufferings of
the survivors, and to lessen the burden of those sorrows in
which he had left them involved.
Mr. Dale sailed from Mozambique on the 1st of March, and
after a tedious passage of twenty-three days anchored in Saint
Augustine's Bay, in Madagascar; from whence he immediately
repaired to TuUiar, to apprise his unfortunate companions that
a vessel was arrived and ready for their reception : but it is
impossible to depict the miserable state in which he found the
whole of the survivors. Overwhelmed with despondency,
their calamities had increased by the attacks of a malignant
u
V
V
C/5
o
V
H
bJD
LOSS OF THE WINTERTON. 253
fever ; and as no kind of surgical stores had been saved from
the wreck, they were entirely destitute of medicines to
alleviate its baleful effects ; and being deprived likewise of
the necessaries of life to which they had been accustomed, the
number of people, including passengers, was reduced to one
hundred and thirty, although nearly double that number had
been saved from the wreck.
Under circumstances so peculiarly severe, such was their
emaciated condition that it was ten days before the embarka-
tion of the survivors was completed, though every exertion
was made to exepedite so desirable an event. At length they
sailed from Madagascar on the 3rd of April, and on the 11th
arrived at Mozambique, having lost seven people by the way,
two of whom were passengers.
They experienced a most flattering reception from the
governor and inhabitants of Mozambique whom their forlorn
condition inspired with sentiments which do honour to
humanity. They prepared an hospital for the reception of
the sick, and vied with each other in soothing and unremitting
attention to the ladies : but although the sick received every
medical assistance that could by possibility be procured, yet
the insalubrious climate of Mozambique so retarded the re-
establishment of their health, that during a stay of two months
about thirty of them died, while the sickness of the survivors
continued.
As no ship belonging to the Portuguese government had
arrived in the harbour, the governor was still as unable to
afford them a vessel for their conveyance as on their former
requisition. Mr. Dale, therefore, in conjunction with Mr.
Dunn, the purser of the Winterton, and Lieutenant
Brownrigg, of the 75th regiment, was reduced to the alter-
native of again freighting a private vessel in the name of the
East India Company, in order to transport them to Madras.
On the 10th of June they sailed from Mozambique, and on
the 13th auchored at Joanna, with the intention of procuring
provisions and other necessaries, which having accomplished,
they left the island on the 19th, having experienced from its
generous inhabitants every aid that was in their power, and
every attention which humanity could dictate. It was at
this period that they concluded all their difficulties sur-
mounted, and a fond but delusive hope beginning to dawn
upon their minds, that they anticipated a safe and expeditious
passage to Madras, when on the 7th of July, in 5° 40' K lat.
17
254 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and 63° E. long., thej were captured by Le Mutin, a privateer,
from the Isle of France, To increase their vexatious dis-
appointments, they were till this time entirely ignorant
of the commencement of hostilities between Great Britain and
Trance.
The people of the privateer took Mr. Dale, Lieutenant
Brownrigg, and twenty-two seamen and soldiers on board
their vessel, and put an officer and a number of their own
men on board the captured vessel, with orders to conduct her
to the Mauritius with all possible despatch. The privateer
immediately proceeded on her cruise, during which the distress
occasioned by their accumulated misfortunes was in a slight
degree alleviated by the polite attention of the French captain
and his officers. She continued cruising until the 15th of
July, when she entered the road of Tutecorin, where she fell
in with, and engaged a Dutch East Indiaman, the Ceylon,
commanded by Captain Muntz. After an engagement which
lasted about fifteen minutes, the Dutchman proved victorious,
and the privateer struck, to the great satisfaction of the un-
happy prisoners.
Our old allies were happy in the opportunity of liberating
Englishmen from confinement ; and Captain Muntz insisted
upon their partaking of a handsome entertainment on board
the Ceylon, during which he was informed of the principal
circumstances, of their heavy and repeated misfortunes. They
then repaired to Callancoetah, where they remained till an
order arrived to prepare a large boat for their conveyance to
Madras, at which place they arrived in perfect safety on the
20Lh of August, 1793, being exactly twelve months since their
unfortunate shipwreck.
At Madras Mr. Dale embarked, with some of his unhappy
friends, on board the Scorpion sloop of war, homeward bound.
Nothing material occurred during the passage, excepting that
they were chased by a French frigate, and experienced foul
winds and repeated calms, by which their progress was so
retarded, that it was generally supposed that the Scorpion had
either foundered at sea, or had been taken by the enemy. At
length, however, they arrived in safety on British ground, and
BO eager were the poor fellows to see their different relatives
that they got on shore at the Land's End, having first received
protections from impressment from the captain of the sloop
Of the fate of those who remained on board their own
vessel when taken by Le Mutin, and ordered to steer to the
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 255
Mauritius, no intelligence has ever been received in this
country, notwithstanding the most diligent search was set on
foot by direction of the East India Company, in order to
ascertain it.
Loss OF THE DODDINGTON,
NEAR THE
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
The Doddington, East Indiaraan commanded by Captain
Samson, sailed from the Downs, April 23rd, 1755, in company
with the Pelham, the Houghton, the Edgecourt, and the
Streatham, all in the service of the East India Company.
They cleared the channel in about a week from their depar-
ture, during which Captain Samson discovered that his ship
sailed faster than any of the others ; and, unwilling to lose
the superiority by keeping company with them, he stood on
alone, and soon lost sight of them.
On the 20th of May, he made Bonavista, one of the Cape
de Verd Islands, in 16° of north lat., and on the 21st got into
Porto Pryor (Praya) Bay. It now appeared that either he
had been mistaken in supposing that his ship out-sailed the
rest of the fleet, or that he had lost time by the course he had
been steering, for the Pelham and the Streatham had reached
the bay two days before him. The Houghton arrived soon
afterwards ; but the Edgecourt did not come in until the 26th.
On the 27th, the Doddington, Houghton, Streatham, and
Pelham, having taken in their supply of water, proceeded on
their voyage in company, leaving the Edgecourt in the road.
They continued together until the following day, when Captain
Samson, thinking their course far too easterly, ordered the
Doddington to be kept south ; and after a fine run of seven
weeks, she made the land of the Cape of Good Hope.
On the 5th of July, their departure was taken from Cape
Needles, just after doubling the Cape of Good Hope, and the
vessel having steered eastward about twenty-four hours, be-
tween lat. 35° 30' and 36°, the captain ordered her to be kept
E.N.E. In this course she continued till about a quarter
256 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
before one on the morning of Thursday the 17th of July^
when she struck.
The officer from whose journal were taken the materials
for this narrative, was at the time of the accident asleep in
his cabin; but being suddenly awakened by the shock, he
started up in the utmost consternation, and hurried upoa
deck, where all the terrors of his situation rushed upon him
at once. The men were dashed overboard by the violence of
the sea rolling over them, and the ship breaking to pieces at
every stroke of the surge. On crawling over to the larboard
side of the deck, which lay highest out of the water, he found
the captain, who said that in a very little time they must all
perish ; in a few minutes a sea parted them, and he saw him
no more. He managed, by dint of great exertion, to get back
to the quarter-deck, though he was very much bruised, and
had the small bone of his left arm broken ; the other portion
of the ship being under water, and completely shattered to-
pieces.
In this dreadful situation, when every minute he expected
would be the last of all that yet remained, he heard the-
welcome cry of " land ! " and looked eagerly about him ; but
notwithstanding he saw something which he supposed had
been taken for land, he believed it was only the surge of the
sea on the other side of the breakers. At the same instant^
the sea broke over him with such violence, that it not only
forced him from his hold, but stunned him by a violent blow
on the eye. The effect of the blow was such, that he lay
insensible till after daylight : but he still continued on the
wreck, and on recovering found himself fixed to the plank
by a nail that had been forced into his shoulder. Besides the
pain of his wounds and bruises, he was so benumbed with
cold, that he could scarcely move either hand or foot. He
now observed that several of the crew had been enabled to<
get on the rocks which were near, and he called out to them
as loud as he could ; but they were not able to give him any
assistance, so that a considerable time elapsed before he was-
capable of disengaging himself from the wreck and getting
ashore.
This shore was a barren uninhabited rock, situate in 33°
44' south lat., and distant about 250 leagues east of the Cape
of Good Hope ; and upon it were assembled Mr. Evan Jones,
the chief mate; Mr. John Collet, Mr. William Webb, and
Mr. S. Powell, second, third, and fifth mates ; Richard Toppings
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 257
-carpenter ; Neil Bothwell and Nathaniel Chisholm, quarter-
masters; Daniel Ladova, captain's steward; Henry Sharp,
surgeon's servant; Thomas Arnold, a black, and John M'Dowal,
servants to the captain ; Kobert Beaseley, John Ding, Gilbert
Cain, Terence Mole, Jonas Kosenbury, John Glass, Matthew
Taylor, and Hendrick Scanty, seamen ; Mr. John Yets, mid-
ehipman ; and John Lister, Kalph Smith, and Edward Dysoy,
mattresses. These persons, in number twenty-three, were
the only survivors of 220 that were on board when the ship
struck.
Their first care was to search for some covering among the
things that had been thrown on the rocks from the wreck,
and in this they succeeded almost beyond their expectations ;
but the attainment of fire, which was their next necessity,
was not easily accomplished. Some of them made an un-
successful attempt to kindle two pieces of wood by rubbing
them together, while others diligently searched the rocks in
anxious endeavours to find something that might act as a
substitute for flint and steel. After some time, they found a
box containing two gun-flints and a broken file, which was a
most joyous acquisition, though they were still destitute of
anything that would kindle from a spark, and until a substitute
for tinder could be found, the flint and steel were useless.
A further search became therefore absolutely necessary, when
by dint of great perseverance, they discovered a cask of gun-
powder, which, to their great disappointment, proved to be
wet ; but on a more narrow inspection, they found a small
quantity at the bottom that had suffered no damage: and
some of this bruised on a linen rag, served them very well for
tinder.
A fire was soon made, and the bruised and wounded collected
round it, while the others went in search of further necessaries,
without which the rock would have afforded them but a very
short respite from destruction. A box of wax candles and a
case of brandy were the first brought in, and soon afterwards
another party returned, stating that they had discovered a
cask almost full of fresh water, which was of greater conse-
quence than the spirits. Mr. Jones brought in several pieces
of salt pork ; and others arrived driving seven hogs before
them, which had been taken on shore alive. They could also
see, at some distance, several casks of water, flour, and beer ;
but it was not then possible to get them over the rocks.
It now became necessary to provide some shelter for the
258 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
approaching night; all hands were therefore employed in
making a tent of some canvas that had been cast ashore : but
the quantity was so small that the tent would not hold them
all, and for fear of being overflowed, they were obliged to
erect it on the highest part of the island, which was covered
with the dung of a water-fowl, a large species of gannet,
that much frequented it. They had passed the day without
food, and were now deprived of rest during the night ; for
not only had they sunk a foot deep into the dung, but the
wind was so tempestuous that their fire was scattered, and
before they could collect the embers, the rain extinguished
them. On renewing their search in the morning, they found,
to their great mortification, that all the casks which they had
seen the preceding night, with the exception of one of flour,
and another of beer, had been staved against the rocks. These,
however, they secured ; but the tide flowing up soon after,
interrupted their proceedings ; they were therefore called to-
gether to eat their first meal, and some pork was boiled for
their dinner.
Sitting down thus desolate and forlorn to a repast which
they were wont to share in the convival cheerfulness which is
inspired by the consciousness of plenty, they were so struck by
the sense of their present condition, that they burst into
passionate exclamations, and wringing their hands, looked
around them in all the wildness of despair. As their thoughts
amidst such tumultuous emotions naturally hurried from one
subject to another, in quest of some source of comfort, it was
suggested by one of them as a ground of hope for them all,
that as the carpenter was among them, he might build a strong
sloop, provided he could obatin some tools and materials. All
attention was immediately directed towards the carpenter,
who declared his belief that if tools and materials could be
found, he should be able to build a sloop that would carry them
to a port of safety ; and though at that time they entertained
no prospect of procuring either, nor of being able to victual
such a vessel, had it been built, yet no sooner had they rested
their deliverance but one remove beyond total impossibility,
as they seemed to think it neither improbable nor difficult ;
they began to eat without repining, the boat engrossed their
whole conversation, and they not only debated on her size
and rigging, but to what port they should steer, whether to
the Cape or Delagoa.
As soon as their repast was finished, some rem^iiued to
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 259
mind the tent, while the rest eagerly dispersed in search of
materials for their projected sloop, but they did not succeed in
finding any that day.
On Saturday, the 19th, they secured four butts of water,
one cask of flour, one hogshead of brandy, and a small boat,
which had been thrown up by the tide in a shattered con-
dition, but no tools were found with the exception of a scraper,
Next day they had the good fortune to discover a hamper
containing files, gimlets, sail-needles, and an azimuth compass-
card ; they also found two quadrants, a carpenter's adze, a
chisel, three sword blades, and a chest of treasure. As a
prodigious surf was rolling in all the day before, it was reason-
able to expect that something would be thrown up, and search
was consequently made early in the morning. At ten o'clock
all assembled to prayers, and not going out again till after
dinner they found most of the government and company's
packets, which they carefully dried and laid aside.
While searching about the beach, they found the body of a
female, which they recognized to be that of Mrs. Collet, the
wife of the second mate, who was then himself at a little
distance ; and knowing the mutual affection which subsisted
between this couple, Mr. Jones, the chief mate, walked up to
Mr. Collet, and engaging him in conversation, took him to the
other side of the rock while his companions dug a grave, to
which they committed the body after reading the burial service
from a French prayer-book which had been washed ashore with
the deceased.
Having thus paid the last tribute to one of their unfortunate
number, and concealed from their unhappy messmate a sight
which would have sensibly, if not fatally, affected him, they
found means in a few days to gradually disclose to him what
they had done, and restore to him the wedding ring which
they had taken from her finger. He received it with great
emotion, and afterwards spent many days in raising a monu-
ment over her grave, by piling up all the square stones he could
find, and fixing an elm plank at the top, inscribed with her
name, her age, the time of her death, and some account of the
fatal accident by which it was occasioned.
On Monday, the 20th of July, they recovered some more
water and pork, also some timber-plank, canvas, and cordage,
which they joyfully secured for the projected boat, though
still in want of many implements indispensable for the car-
penter to proceed with his work. He had just completed a
260 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
saw, though he had neither hammer nor nails ; it happened,
however, that one of the seamen, Hendrick Scanty, a native
of Sweden, and who had been a smith by profession, having
picked up an old pair of bellows, told his companions that
by the aid of a forge, which they could build by his directions,
he could furnish the carpenter with all necessary tools as well
as nails, as plenty of iron could be obtained by burning it out
of pieces of the wreck driven ashore. The smith began im-
mediately to mend the bellows, and the three following days
were occupied in building a tent and forge, and in collecting
timber for the use of the carpenter, who was also employed
in preparing the few tools already in his possession, that the
boat might be begun as soon as possible.
On Thursday the 24th, the carpenter, with the assistance
of Chisholm, the quarter-master, began to work on the keel
of the vessel, which it was determined should be a sloop thirty
feet in length, by twelve in width. The smith also finished
his forge, and laid in a quantity of fir for fuel ; and he and
the carpenter continued thenceforward to work with inde-
fatigable diligence, except when prevented by the weather.
The smith having, fortunately, found the ring and nut of a
bower-anchor, which served him for an anvil, supplied chisels,
axes, hammers, and nails, as they were required, and the
carpenter used them with great dexterity and despatch until
the 31st of the month, when he fell sick.
The lives of the company being so dependent on the car-
penter's exertions, they watched his recovery with the utmost
impatience and anxiety, and to their unspeakable joy he had
so far recovered on the 2nd of August, as to be able to resume
his work. In the meantime the stores which had been saved
from the wreck had become so nearly exhausted, that it was
necessary to restrict each man to an allowance of two ounces
of bread a-day, as it was resolved to keep the salt-pork to
victual the new vessel which was preparing. Their water
also fell so short, that they were obliged to have recourse to
several expedients. In digging a well, they were disappointed
in their hopes of finding a spring. They succeeded in knock-
ing down several of the gannets that settled on the top of the
rock ; their flesh, however, was of a rank, fishy taste, and aa
black as a sloe. As another expedient, they made a catamaran,
or float, on which they proposed to go out fishing with such
hooks and lines as had come ashora They also killed several
seals, but all who partook of them were seized with sickness.
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 261
When driven to very great necessity, they killed a hog ;
but they were generally successful in fishing, and sometimes
sent out two rafts at a time. On one occasion, Mr. Collet and
Mr. Yets, the midshipman, while engaged in this manner,
were driven nearly out to sea, where they must inevitably
have perished. They had been out fishing on the 20th of
August, until about four in the afternoon, when they weighed
And endeavoured to return ; but the wind suddenly freshening
from the westward, they found that instead of gaining a-head,
they drove off very fast. Their companions on shore, though
they saw their distress, knew not how to assist them ; they,
however, sent out another float with kellicks and ropes, which
they hoped would enable them to ride till the wind moderated,
but the surf was so great that three times the raft overset,
and the men were obliged to swim back. All this time they
saw their friends driving out to sea, and were just resigning
them to certain destruction, when the carpenter sent word
that he could make the little boat tight enough to float, with
one man bailing. This inspired new hopes and gave them
fresh courage, and every one was ready to venture to assist
their comrades. The carpenter despatched the boat in a
•quarter of an hour, and she soon overtook the float and received
the two people on board. This additional burden caused the
water to gain so fast on the boat, that notwithstanding the
utmost exertions, she was so full when they came in, that in
A few minutes more the boat must have sunk, and all have
perished.
This accident made them afraid to venture any more upon
a raft, and the carpenter set to work upon the boat and put
her into complete repair. Their supplies, both from sea and
shore, became now very precarious ; the gannets would some-
times settle in amazing numbers, like a vast cloud, and then
totally disappear for several days together, which made them
very desirous of finding some way to preserve them from
putrefaction, so that they might store up the surplus of a
successful day to serve when they could catch neither gannets
nor fish. They made several unsuccessful attempts to cure
both fish and fowl, by smoking ; they then tried to make salt,
and which very nearly proved fatal to them all. The smith
had made a copper vessel for the experiment, upon which
they commenced operations, ignorant of the fact that in making
.salt they were making verdigris, a virulent poison. They,
however, succeeded in making salt, which was so intolerably
262 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
offensive to the taste, from the admixture of the poison, that
they threw it away ; some few, however, who ventured to*
swallow it were seized with violent colic, retchings, and cold
sweat, which sufficiently convinced them of the danger they
had escaped.
On September 3rd, having been nearly seven weeks upon
the rock, during which time they had frequently seen a
great smoke upon the mainland, these unfortunate people
determined to send a boat thither to see what assistance could
be obtained. For this purpose Taylor, Bothwell, and Eosen-
bury, set out on a voyage of discovery, the people making a
great fire at night on the highest part of the rock, as a signal
to them.
During the absence of these adventurers, they were thrown
into the greatest possible consternation by an accident which
the carpenter met with. He cut his leg with the adze so
severely, that there was great danger of his bleeding to death,
particularly as they had no surgeon among them, nor anything
to apply to the wound. With much difficulty the blood was
at length staunched, and the wound healed without the inter-
vention of any bad symptom.
The boat was impatiently expected on Saturday, the 6th of
September, as there had been above forty hours of fair weather;
but nothing being seen of her by noon, the people became
very uneasy. Just as they were sitting down to dinner, they
were agreeably surprised by two of their own number, who
came running over the rocks to announce her approach. At
this joyful intelligence they simultaneously started up and
ran to the beach, in the confident hope that they had succeeded
in their enterprise ; but they soon discovered that the boat
was rowed by only one man, who plied both oars, and conse-
quently concluded that the other two had been lost or detained.
Presently, however, another was seen to rise from the bottom
of the boat, and their speed was a little increased.
Dinner was now entirely forgot, and all was impatience for
the arrival of their companions, which took place about an
hour afterwards. The two men were Kosenbury and Taylor,
who, the instant they had landed, threw themselves on the
ground, and in fervent ejaculations returned thanks to the
Almighty for his providential care in bringing them back to
the rock, which, barren and desolate as it was, they considered
an asylum from a more distressing situation. They exerted
their last effort to bring the boat to the shore, when their
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 263;
strength forsook them at once, and they were unable to rise
from the ground without assistance.
Every one was anxious to procure them refreshment as
soon as they were brought into the tent, as they found the
boat destitute both of provisions and water. Some fish waa^
hastily cooked, and as soon as they had had their meal, they
fell into a sound sleep, which, to the credit of their messmates,
they did not disturb, although their curiosity must have been
great, to hear a relation of their adventures, upon which their
own deliverance so much depended.
The account which they gave, when they awoke, was to the-
following purport : —
About three o'clock on the day of their departure, they got
round a point about six leagjues to the eastward of the rock,
which, as they approached, had the appearance of a double-
point. This gave them some encouragement to hope that they
should find a harbour between the two points ; but they were
disappointed, as a high surf ran along the coast. About five
o'clock they ventured to pull into the shore, but the moment
they got into the surf the boat was upset, by which Bothwell
was unfortunately drowned. They reached the shore in a
very exhausted condition, being destitude of everything but
a small keg of brandy. On recovering a little, they crawled
along the shore in search of the boat, as they had no other
shelter from wild beasts, which might be expected to come
abroad at night, and after some search found her ; but they
were too weak to get her up, and were obliged to lie down on
the sand with no other covering than the branches of a tree.
In the morning they again searched for the boat, which the
surf had driven from the place where they left her, and in
walking along the coast they saw a man who, on their approach,,
ran away into the woods. Soon afterwards they discovered
their unfortunate companion, Bothwell, who had been dragged
some distance up the sand and mangled by some wild beast ].
which so terrified them, that rather than undergo the dread
of passing another night on shore, they resolved to turn
immediately.
They were, however, prevented, by a fresh gale from the
west, that, before they could put back, overset the boat and
drove them along the shore; but once more, after much
struggling and swimming, they got safe on land, exhausted by
their exertions, and faint with hunger. Soon afterwards they
met with a fruit resembling an apple, which they eagerly de-
-264 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
voured without knowing either its name or quality ; but
fortunately, it did them no harm : and, somewhat refreshed
by their repast, they managed to get the boat on shore, where
turning it keel upwards, they crept under it to sleep.
"Wearied by their late fatigues, they slept till the dawn of
-day next morning, when peeping out from under the edge of
the boat, they saw the feet of many animals which by their
claws, they supposed to be tigers, and which induced them to
remain until the day had well broke, whence, once more look-
ing out, they saw the feet of a man. On this discovery, they
■crept from below, to the great amazement of a poor savage,
and two other men and a boy, who were at some distance.
When they had all collected, and were a little recovered from
their surprise, the savages made signs to the sailors to go away,
which they endeavoured to do, though they began to move
very slowly ; but they had not got far from the boat when a
considerable number of the natives ran down upon them with
their lances. Kosenbury, as he went along, had picked up the
mast of the boat, and a pistol which had been washed ashore,
and thus armed, he imprudently turned round upon the natives
And, exerting all his strength, advanced towards them in a
threatening attitude, supposing they would have been fright-
ened, and retreat into the woods. It happened, however, that
he was mistaken, for, instead of running away, they began to
whet their lances.
Taylor thought it was now time to try what could be
-done by supplication, and, throwing himself upon his knees,
pitiously cried for mercy, while Kosenbury took refuge in
the water. The savages commenced stripping Taylor, who
C[uietly permitted them to take his shoes and his shirt ; but
when they attempted to take his trousers, he entreated
them, by gestures, not to leave him quite naked, on which
they thought fit to desist. They then made signs to Eosen-
bury, who was all this time swimming about in the sea, to
come to them, and on his refusal, from the fear of their
killing him, they pointed to Taylor, to intimate that he had
not been killed. On his coming up, they offered him no
violence, but only held the boat's mast and the pistol to him,
-as deriding his attempt to frighten them. The clothes they
seemed very much pleased with, and divided them amongst
themselves as far as they would go ; then beginning to rifle
the boat they took away the rope they could find, the hook by
which the rudder hung to the stern-post, and then began to
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 265
knock the stern to pieces for the iron which they saw
about it. With the exception of absolute destruction to these
hapless mariners, this was the greatest calamity they could
sustain ; and, rough as they were they burst into tears, and
entreated the savages with such agony of distress to spare
their only chance of regaining their friends, that they suffered
the boat to remain without further injury.
Encouraged by such an appearance of kindness, and impelled
by hunger, they solicited for something to eat, with which
request the natives complied ; and having brought them some
roots, again made signs for their departure. With the assist-
ance of the savages, they once more launched the boat and
got into it ; but the wind blowing strong from the west, they
could not put off. The natives therefore consented to their
remaining another night under the boat ; and the following
morning proving fine, with an easterly wind, they launched
the boat for the third time, and returned to their companions
on the rock.
The carpenter and the smith continued with praiseworthy
assiduity at work upon the vessel till Sunday, the 29th of
September, the people, in the meantime, being busy in securing
such stores as were from time to time thrown up from the
wreck. They also recovered some casks of fresh water which
they were solicitous to keep for sea store, as their escape
depended as much upon fresh water, as upon the vessel which
was to carry them.
After prayers, which was a duty regularly and publicly
performed every Sunday, the officers discovered that the chest
of treasure had been broken open, and the greater part of it
carried away. This may appear strange, that those whom
their danger had made religious, should at the same time be
guilty of theft, and that, too, in a situation in which the
possession of gold could not contribute in the slightest degree
to their subsistence or their means of escape ; but it should
be remembered that on a ship being lost, all the sailors lose
their wages, and whatever is cast ashore is considered by the
sailors as common property. The men, therefore, who ventured
secretly to take what they deemed their share of this treasure,
were not conscious of acting dishonestly, but only designed
to secure what they feared their officers would monopolise,
and thus prevent disputes, which, in their circumstances,
might terminate fatally. The officers finding that none would
own knowing anything about it, proposed to write the form:
of an oath to be administered separately to each individuals
^66 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
themselves taking it first. But to this the majority immedi-
•ately objected ; for though they might not suppose themselves
guilty of a crime by taking the treasure, they were aware
that it would not only be immoral but impious to swear that
they had not taken it ; and as the minority were not in a
Kiondition to enforce their proposal, the matter was suffered
to rest without further inquiry.
On the 6th of October they found a fowling-piece, which
was a valuable acquisition, although the barrel was much
bent ; but this was soon made serviceable by the carpenter,
and used with great success for shooting the birds, which
before they could only take by knocking them down with a
stick. '
On the 11th of October, the gannets, which had for some
time forsaken the rock, were observed hovering around in
■^eat numbers, which made them hope that they would settle
there and lay their eggs, in which they were not disappointed.
For nearly three months they had a constant and plentiful
supply, and then the laying season terminated.
On the 20th of October, Mr. Collet, Mr. Webb, and two
^others, once more ventured out on the raft ; but the wind
springing up fresh, the raft broke looose, and they were driven
to the other side of the rock, where they were obliged to
remain all night among the seals, without any shelter or
refreshment. The next day at noon the wind abated when
the boat ventured out, and brought them off, leaving, the
float behind.
Amidst all their privations, from the scanty supply of
provisions and water, their health remained in a great measure
entire; and on the 15th of February, 1756, they launched
their little vessel, which they named the "Happy Deliverance."
Next day their little pittance of stores was put on board ; and
on the 18th they left the rock, where they had lived just
-seven months, and which, at parting, they called Bird Island.
Their provisions consisted of six casks of water, two live
hogs, a firken of butter, about four pounds of biscuit for each
man, and ten day's subsistence of salt provisions in bad condi-
tion, at the rate of two ounces a-day per man.
They weighed anchor at one in the afternoon, and set sail
with a light breeze from the west, for the river St. Lucia, on
the coast of Natal ; but misfortune still seemed to attend them.
For five days they met with nothing but adversity, and during
twenty-five in succession, their provisions were almost ex-
LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 267
liausted, and rapid currents carrying them so far out of their
'Course, that a favourable wind was but little service to them.
Despairing at last of being able to make the river St. Lucia
they resolved to change their course for the Cape of Good
Hope, and, accordingly, on the second of March, they bore
Away for the west.
The three following days the wind increased to such prodi-
gious violence that it blew a furious storm, and their frail bark
shipped such heavy seas, that they expected each wave, as it
rolled over to dash her to pieces. On the morning of the fifth,
however, fine weather ensued, and on the seventh it was a
perfect calm, when they cast anchor about three-quarters of
^ mile from a shore where they observed several natives coming
down from the mountains towards them.
Encouraged by this sight they attempted to land, and
Arnold, the black servant, was sent on shore, accompanied by
two seamen, with a string of amber beads, as a prcbent to the
Indians. After a mutual interchange of civilities he obtained
some Indian corn, fruit, and water, in a calabash, with a
promise of sheep, oxen, and other necessaries ; but the wind
•continuing westerly, the boat returned with a supply only
sufficient for four days.
The vessel coasted along until the 10 th of March, when the
wind changed to the east, and they cast anchor in twelve
fathoms, about half a mile from the shore. Several Indians
<iame down and invited them to land, but they considered it
impracticable, and though they were tempted by the appear-
ance of goats and bullocks, which were daily driven before
their eyes to meet them on shore, they were obliged to endure
the tantalizing spectacle till the 14th, when two men were sent
off in the boat, and succeeded with great difficulty in reaching
the shore. The wind fell the same evening, and seemed tending
towards the west, which made them apprehensive that they
should not be able to ride at anchor all night. Signals were
therefore made, by showing lights, to induce their two com-
rades on shore to come down to the beach, and get off before
the surf rose too high. No intelligence of them was obtained
until six in the morning, when it was too late to get them on
board ; trusting, therefore, to find some more favourable place,
they made signals for the men to proceed along the shore,
while the vessel followed in the same direction. They had
not advanced more than two leagues, when the vessel, working
close to the shore, anchored in five fathoms of water.
268 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
A boat was sent out with four men, two of whom were*
employed in recovering those ashore, and other two in sounding,
the mouth of a river, where they were in great hopes of finding
sufficient water for the vessel to pass over the bar. About
three hours afterwards the two men on shore were seen with
the four belonging to the boat, but they were afraid to embark
on account of the height of the surf.
All night on board was spent in a state of the greatest
uneasiness. At break of day they weighed anchor and stood
still nearer the shore ; but observing their companions were
yet afraid to venture, they gave them to understand that if
they did not immediately return, or show the possibility of
entering the river, they should be obliged to abandon them for
want of provisions. These menaces produced the desired
effect, and two of them braved the violence of the surf, and
gained the barque in safety.
They weighed anchor at eleven o'clock the following fore-
noon, and at two o'clock in the afternoon, crossed the bar, and
cast anchor in two-and-a-half fathoms.
Their first consideration was how to traffic for provisions
and other necessaries ; but this consultation did not last long,,
as the whole stock they had to offer in exchange consisted of
brass buttons, nails, iron bolts, and copper hoops, of which
the natives seemed extremely fond. These they carried oa
shore, and showing them to the natives, imitated the bleating
of sheep and lowing of cattle, which the Indians quickly
comprehended, and brought two small oxen, which were pur-
chased for a piece of copper and three or four brass buttons.
They also sold at the same time a quantity of grain, resembling
Guinea corn, which they hoped to preserve ; but to their great
disappointment, it became mouldy in the course of three days.
They remained in this place for about fifteen days, during
which they frequently penetrated for ten or twelve miles up
the country. The inhabitants always testified great friendship
for the English, often ate with them, and seemed to enjoy the
European method of preparing food. Hunting was their
principal occupation, their only weapons being lances, and
two short clubs with a large knob at the end. They wore
few clothes during the daytime, but at night covered them-
selves with a weU dried bullock's hide, which they had the
art of rendering very pliant ; they also wore pieces of skin
round the ancles, knees, and arms.
The activity and address of these men in throwing the
O
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LOSS OF THE DODDINGTON. 269
spear was so great, that at the distance of thirty or forty yards,
they could strike at an ear of corn set up as a mark. They also
practised another exercise, which consisted in dancing and
leaping in a circle, uttering the most discordant noises, and all
the while actively wielding their lances.
The crew were extremely surprised to find among these
savages, who were quite black and had woolly hair, a youth
about twelve or fourteen years of age, perfectly white, with
Europeans features, fine light hair, and altogether different
from the natives of the country. He was treated as a servant,
and the savages sent him upon their errands, but at the same
time they appeared to live in great friendship with each
other.
The sailors having thus, by the intervention of Divine
Providence, collected a considerable quantity of provisions,
they weighed anchor at five in the morning of the 29 th, and
stood over the bar. Here there was a dangerous surf running,
which almost stove the vessel, and their being becalmed, put
them in great hazard, of being shipwrecked on the rocks. At
last they succeeded in getting over the bar, and sailed for the
river St. Lucia, where they arrived on the sixth of April,
without any remarkable occurrence.
Having landed, they signified to the natives their wish to
trade with them, but the Indians intimated that they wanted
nothing but small beads; however, on being shown some copper
buttons, they brought bullocks, fowls, potatoes, gourds, and
other provisions. No bullocks could be purchased, for the
natives wanted copper rings, large enough for collars, in ex-
change. Of the fowls, they gave five or six for a small piece
af linen, and the other things in proportion.
The English remained here three weeks, being engaged in
traversing the country, and endeavouring to obtain such
articles as they wanted. The Indians set a great value on
copper, and on being shown the handle of an old box, offered
two bullocks for it, which were immediately accepted and
driven on board the vessel. In manners the natives appeared
proud and haughty, possessing none of those endearing
qualities which had characterised those whom the English had
lately left. They differed also in the manner of preparing their
food, which here was done with greater neatness ; they were
also more cleanly in their persons, and bathed every morning,
apparently as an act of devotion which was never observed
among the others. They wore no kind of ornament, but their
18
270 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
chief pride seemed to be in keeping their hair in great order.
Of their women they appeared to be jealous, and kept a strict
watch over them.
On the 18th of May, a favourable breeze springing up from
the west, attended with good weather, they weighed anchor
at seven in the morning, and set sail. About a quarter of an
hour before high water, when almost on a bar which crossed
the river, some of them were imprudent enough to lower the
sail and cast anchor on a sand bank. Nine men then got into
the boat, and rowed towards the shore, declaring they would
rather run any risk among the savages, than be drowned to a
certainty in endeavouring to cross the bar. Those on board
hesitated whether to attempt the passage or return ; but the
wind and tide driving the vessel out of the river, made them
apprehensive that if the tide fell, she would strike the bar,
and be dashed to pieces. At length they weighed the anchor,
trusting that they should be able to save the vessel and
preserve their lives, but were very soon carried among the
breakers, when they were in the most alarming situation,
there being only eight feet of water, while the vessel drew
five. After being in this situation for more than half an hour,
in momentary expectation of instant destruction, the surface
of the sea suddenly became as smooth as glass, and they left
the river St. Lucia in safety. Those who had gone ashore in
the boat, and most of whom had nothing on but a shirt and
a pair of trousers, followed along the coast on foot.
On the 20th of May, the Happy Deliverance safely arrived
in Delagoa Bay, where they cast anchor in nine fathoms
water. There they found the Eose, a scow, commanded by
Captain Chandler, in which some of them requested a passage
to Bombay. Having remained in this place about three
weeks, they were joined by three of their comrades who had
gone ashore at St. Lucia, and who arrived in a canoe, stating
that their six companions were on the other side of Delagoa
Bay waiting for an opportunity to come over.
The officers judging themselves now in the most convenient
situation for securing the treasure, packets, and other effects
of the Doddington, sent four or five men on shore, and two
on board the scow. Mr. Jones then came to the vessel in
Captain Chandler's pinnace, well manned and armed, and
carried off to the scow all the money, plate, and letters he
could find in her, in order that they might be given up on
her arrival at Madras. Those who remained in the vessel
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 271
being apprehensive of a second visit, which might have proved
very disagreeable, took an opportunity of escaping during the
night with the vessel.
On the 25th of May, the Rose sailed for Madagascar, for
the purpose of completing her cargo, as, in consequence of
some misunderstanding with the natives, they had driven
away above a hundred head of cattle after having sold them.
In the afternoon a vessel came in sight, which, on approaching,
proved to be the barque. The carpenter and one of the seamen
coming on board the scow, persuaded Captain Chandler tjo
purchase their little vessel for five hundred rupees, and he
gave his note for that sum. They told him that they had
recovered the six men who had gone ashore at St. Lucia ; but
three of them were already dead, and two extremely ill from
the great fatigues they had suffered in travelling. These also
died a few days afterwards.
Captain Chandler continued his course to Madagascar, in
company with the little barque, and after a voyage of twenty-
two days arrived there on the sixteenth of June, and anchored
off Morondova. They were followed by the Caernarvon, com-
manded by Captain Norton Hutchinson, which likewise
arrived there on her voyage from Europe to China. The
packets and treasure being destined for Madras were put on
board this vessel, which left Morondova on the 1st of July,
and having arrived at Madras about a month afterwards, the
whole were delivered according to their original destination.
Loss OF THE BETSEY,
IN THE WEST INDIES.
The sloop Betsey, commanded by Philip Aubin, and bound
for Surinam, sailed from Carlisle Bay, in the island of Barba-
•does, on the 1st of August, 1756. The vessel was about eighty
tons burthen, built entirely of cedar, and freighted by Messrs.
Eoscoe and Nyles, merchants of Bridgetown, with a cargo
consisting of all kinds of provisions and horses. The latter
part of the cargo was in consequence of a law which the Dutch
passed, that no English vessel should be permitted to trade
272 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
with the colony, unless horses constituted a part of her cargo^
as they were then greatly in want of a supply of these animals ;
and this condition was so rigidly enforced by the Dutch, that
if the horses chanced to die on the passage, the master of the
vessel was obliged to preserve the ears and hoofs of the animals,
and to make oath, upon entering the port of Surinam, that
they were alive when he embarked and destined for that
colony.
The coast of Surinam, Berbice, Demerara, Oronooka, and
all the adjacent ports are low lands, and inundated by large
rivers which discharge themselves into the sea. All along
this coast the bottom is composed of a kind of mud or clay,
in which the anchors sink to the depth of three or four fathoms,,
and upon which the keel sometimes strikes without stopping
the vessel. The sloop being at anchor three leagues and a
half from the shore, in five fathoms water, the mouth of the
river Demerara bearing S. by S.W., and it being the rainy
season, the crew drew up water from the sea for their use,
which was as sweet and good as river water. The current
occasioned by the trade winds, and the numerous rivers which
fall into the sea, carried them at the rate of four miles an
hour towards the West and North-west.
In the evening of the 4th of August, they were tacking
about between the latitudes of ten and twelve degrees north,
with a fresh breeze, which obliged them to reef the sails. At
midnight the captain found that the wind increased in pro-
portion as the moon, which was then on the wane, rose above
the horizon, and that the sloop, which was deeply laden,
laboured excessively; he therefore would not retire to rest
until the weather became more moderate, but told his mate,
whose name was Williams, to bring him a bottle of beer, and
both of them sat down. While thus occupied, the vessel
suddenly turned with her broadside to windward. The captain
called to one of the seamen to put the helm-a-weather, but
he replied it had been so for some time ; he then directed the
mate to see if the cord was not entangled, but he answered
that it was not. At this instant the vessel swung round with
her head to the sea and plunged, and immediately her head
filled in such a manner that she could not rise above the
Burf, which broke over them to the height of the anchor-stocks ;
and they were very soon up to their necks in water, and
everything in the cabin was washed away, while some of the
crew, which consisted of nine men, were drowned in their
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 273
hammocks without uttering a cry or groan. When the wave
had passed, the captain took the hatchet that was hanging up
near the fire-place, to cut away the shrouds, so as to prevent
the ship from upsetting, but his efforts were in vain. The
vessel upset and turned over again, with her masts and sails
in the water ; the horses rolled one over the other and were
drowned, forming altogether a spectacle the most melancholy
that can be conceived.
They had but one small boat, about twelve or thirteen feet
in length, and she was fixed, with a cable coiled inside of her,
between the pump and the side of the ship. Providentially
for their preservation, there was no occasion to lash her fast,
but at this time they entertained no hope of seeing her again,
as the large cable within her, together with the weight of the
horses and their stalls, entangled one among another, prevented
her from rising to the surface of the water.
In this dreadful situation, holding on by the shrouds, and
slipping off his clothes, the captain looked around him for
some plank or empty box, by which he might preserve his life
as long as it should please the Almighty, when he perceived
his mate and two seamen hanging by a rope, and imploring
God to receive their souls. He then advised them to undress,
as he had done, and to endeavour to seize the first object that
could assist them in preserving their lives. Williams, the
mate, followed his advice, stripped himself quite naked, and
instantly betook himself to swimming, at the same time looking
out for anything he could find. He had not been in the water
many minutes, before he cried out, " Here is the boat, keel
uppermost ! " upon which the captain immediately swam to
him, and found him holding on to the boat by the keel. They
then set to work to turn her, but their exertions were un-
availing, till at length Williams, who was the strongest and
heaviest man of the two, contrived to set his feet against the
gunwale of the boat, while he laid hold of the keel with his
hands, and with a violent effort nearly succeeded in turning
her. The captain being to windward, pushed and lifted her
up with his shoulders on the opposite side, till at length, with
the assistance of the surf, they turned her over ; but she was
full of water. The captain then got into her, and endeavoured,
by means of a rope belonging to the rigging, to draw her to
the mast of the vessel, as, in the intervals between the waves,
the mast always rose to the height of fifteen or twenty feet
above the water. He passed the end of the rope fastened to
274 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the boat once round the head of the mast, keeping hold of the
end ; and each time that the mast rose out of the water, it
lifted up both him and the boat : he then let go the rope, and
by this expedient the boat was about three-fourths emptied ;
but having nothing to enable him to disengage her from the
mast and shrouds, they fell down upon him, driving him and
the boat again under water.
After repeated attempts to empty her, in which he was
cruelly wounded and bruised, he began to haul the boat, thus
filled with water, towards the vessel by the shrouds ; but, by
this time, the sloop had sunk to such a depth, that only a
small part of her stern was visible, upon which the mate and
two other seamen were holding fast by a rope. He then threw
himself into the water, with the rope that was attached to
the boat in his mouth, and swam towards them, to give them
the end of the rope to lay hold of, in the hope that by their
united strength they would be able to haul the boat over the
stern of the vessel, to accomplish which they exerted their
utmost efforts ; and at this instant the captain nearly had his
thigh broken by a shock of the boat, as he was between her
and the ship. At length they succeeded in hauling her over
the stern, but in this manoeuvre they had the misfortune to
break a hole in her bottom. The captain, as soon as his thigh
was a little recovered from the blow, jumped into her with
one of the men, and stopped the leak with a piece of his coarse
shirt. This man not being enabled to swim, had not stripped
like the others, and had thus preserved his coarse shirt, a
knife that was in his pocket, and an enormous hat in the
Dutch fashion. The boat being fastened to the rigging, was
no sooner cleared of the greatest part of the water, than the
(^ptain's dog came to them, running along the gunwale ; they
took him in, and returned thanks to Providence for thus
sending provision for a time of necessity. A moment after
the dog had entered, the rope broke with a jerk of the vessel,
and the boat drifted away, leaving the mate and the other
seamen hanging to the wreck. The mate had fortunately
found a small spare topmast, which afterwards served them
for a rudder, and with this they swam to the boat, where they
were assisted in by the others, and soon afterwards they lose
sight of their ill-fated barque.
It was then about four o'clock in the morning, as they
judged by the dawn of day, which was then beginning to
appear, so that about two hours had elapsed since the calamity
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 275
that had compelled them to abandon their vessel. That which
prevented her foundering sooner, was their having on board
about a hundred and fifty barrels of biscuit, as many or more
sacks of flour, and three hundred firkins of butter, all of which
floated upon the water, and were soaked through but slowly.
As soon as they were clear of the wreck, they kept the boat
before the wind as well as they could ; and when it grew
light, they perceived several articles that had floated from the
vessel. Soon after the captain saw his box of clothes and
linen, which had been carried out of the cabin by the violence
of the waves. This unexpected circumstance gave great joy,
as the box contained some bottles of orange and lime juice,
a few pounds of chocolate, sugar, &c. Reaching over the
gunwale of the boat they laid hold of the box, and made use
of every effort to open it on the water, for they could not
think of getting into the boat a box of size and weight suffi-
cient to sink her ; but in spite of all their endeavours, they
were, to their unutterable disappointment, obliged to leave it
behind, with all the good things it contained ; and to add to
their distress, the efforts they had made to accomplish what
they desired, had almost filled their boat with water, and had
more than once nearly sunk her.
They however had the good fortune to pick up thirteen
onions, but were unable to reach any more, although they
saw many. These thirteen onions and the dog, without a
single drop of fresh water, or any liquor whatever, were all
that they had to subsist upon ; and they were at that time,
according to the computation of the captain, about fifty leagues
from land, having neither masts, sails, nor oars to direct them,
nor any description of article, except the knife of a sailor who
could not swim, his shirt, a piece of which they had already
used to stop the leak in their boat, and his wide trousers.
This day they cut the remainder of his shirt into strips, which
they twisted for rigging, and then went to work alternately,
to loosen the planks with which the boat was lined, by dint
of time and patience, cutting round the heads of the nails
that fastened them. Of these planks they made a kind of
mast, which they fixed, by tying it to the foremost bench ; a
piece of board was substituted for a yard, to which they
fastened the two parts of the trousers which served for sails,
and assisted in keeping the boat before the wind, while they
steered with the small topmast, which the mate had brought
on board.
276 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
As the pieces of plank which they had detached from the
inside of the boat were too short, and were not sufficient to
go quite round the edge, they were obliged, when the sea ran
very high, to lie down several times along the gunwale on
each side, with their backs to the water, in order to prevent
the waves from entering the boat ; and thus with their bodies
to repel the surf, whilst the other, with the Dutch hat, was
constantly employed in baling out the water ; besides which
the boat continued to make water at the leak, which they
were unable to stop entirely.
It was in this melancholy situation, and all of them quite
naked, that they kept the boat before the wind as well as
they could. The night of the first day after their shipwreck
arrived before they had well completed their sail ; but although
it became quite dark, they contrived to keep the boat running
before the wind at the rate of about a league an hour. The
second day was more calm ; they each ate an onion, at different
times, and soon began to feel the effect of thirst. Towards
night the wind became violent and variable, sometimes blowing
from the north, which caused them great uneasiness, as they
were then obliged to steer south, in order to keep the boat
before the wind, and their only hope of being saved was on
their proceeding from east to west.
On the third day their sufferings were excessive, as they had
not only to endure hunger and thirst, in themselves sufficiently
painful, but also the heat of the sun, which scorched them in
such a manner, that from the neck to the feet their skin was
as red and as full of blisters as if they had been burned by a
fire. Smarting under this accumulation of bodily pain, the
captain seized the dog, and plunged the knife into his throat.
They caught his blood in the hat, receiving in their hands and
drinking what ran over, and then drinking in turn out of the
hat, with which they felt themselves very much refreshed.
The fourth day the wind was extremely violent, and the sea
very high, so that they were more than once on the point of
perishing, it was on this day, in particular, that they were
obliged to make a rampart of their bodies to repel the waves.
About noon a ray of hope dawned upon them, but only to
experience bitter disappointment. They perceived a sloop,
commanded by Captain Sou they, a particular friend of Captain
Aubin, which like the Betsey, belonged to the island of
Barbadoes, and was bound for Demerara ; and this vessel came
so near that they could see the crew walking upon the deck,
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 277
and shouted to them ; but unfortunately they were neither
seen nor heard. Being obliged by the violence of the gale to
keep the boat before the wind, for fear of foundering, they had
passed her a great distance before she crossed them, the sloop
steering direct south, and they bearing away to the west. This
disappointment so discouraged the two seamen, that they
refused to make any more exertions to save their lives ; in
spite of all that could be said, one of them would do nothing,
not even bale out the water, which was every minute gaining
upon them. In vain did the captain have recourse to
entreaties, and, falling on his knees, implored the assistance of
the obdurate seaman, he remained unmoved ; till at length the
captain and mate prevailed by threatening to kill them in-
stantly with the topmast, which they used to steer by, and to
kill themselves afterwards, in order to put a period to their
misery. This menace seemed to make some impression on
them, and they resumed their occupation of baling as before.
The captain this day set the others the example of eating
a piece of the dog with some onions : it was with great diffi-
culty that he swallowed a few mouthfuls, but in the course of
an hour afterwards he felt that this small morsel of food had
given them new vigour. The mate, who was of a much stronger
constitution, ate more. One of the men also tasted it ; but
the other, whose name was Comings, absolutely refused to
swallow a morsel, protesting that he could not.
The fifth day was more calm, and the sea much smoother.
At daybreak they perceived an enormous shark, fully as large
as the boat, which followed them for several hours as a prey
that was evidently destined for him ; they also found in the
boat a fiying-fish, which had dropped there during the night ;
this they divided into four parts, which they chewed to moisten
their mouths, and it proved a very seasonable relief, though
60 little inadequate to their necessities, that on this day, when
pressed with hunger and despair, the mate, Williams, had the
generosity to exhort his companions to cut off a piece of his
thigh, in order to refresh themselves with the blood and
support life. The wind freshened during the night, and they
had several heavy showers, when they tried to get some rain-
water by wringing the trousers which served them for a sail,
but when they caught it in their mouths it proved to be as
salt as that of the sea, the men's clothes having been so often
soaked with sea-water, that they, as well as the hat, were
impregnated with salt. They had, therefore, no other resource,
278 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
but to open their mouths, and catch the drops of rain as the^
fell upon their tongues to cool them ; after the shower was
over they again fastened the trousers to the mast.
On the sixth day the seamen, notwithstanding all the re-
monstrances of the captain and mate, persisted in drinking
sea-water, which purged them so excessively that they fell
into a kind of delirium, and were no longer of the slightest
service in managing their frail bark. As for the others, they
each kept a nail in their mouths, and, from time to time,
sprinkled their heads with water to cool them ; from these
ablutions they found their heads were more easy, and them-
selves generally better. They also tried several times to eat of
the dog's flesh with a morsel of onion, and thought themselves
fortunate if they could get down three or four mouthfuls.
On the seventh day the weather was fine, with a moderate
breeze, and the sea perfectly calm. The two men who had
drank sea- water grew so weak about noon that they began to
talk wildly, like those who are light headed, not knowing any
longer whether they were at sea or on shore. The captain
and mate were also so weak that they could hardly stand on
their legs, or steer the boat in their turns, much less bale
the water from the boat, which now made considerably at the
leak.
On the morning of the eighth day, John Comings died, and
about three hours afterwards the other seaman, George Simp-
son, also expired. That same evening, just before the sun
had withdrawn his light, they had the inexpressible satisfac-
tion of discovering the high lands on the west point of the
island of Tobago. Hope inspired them with courage and in-
fused new strength into their limbs. They kept the head of
the boat towards the land all night, with a light breeze and a
strong current, which was in their favour. The captain and
mate were that night in an extraordinary situation; their
two comrades lying dead before them, with the land in sight,
having very little wind to approach it, and being assisted only
by the current, which drove strongly to westward. In the
morning, according to their own computation, they were not
more than five or six leagues from the land, and that happy
day was the last of their sufferings at sea. They kept steering
the boat the whole day towards the shore, though they were
no longer able to stand. Towards evening the wind lulled, and
at night it was a perfect calm ; but about two o'clock in the
morning the current cast them on the beach of the island of
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 27^
Tobago, at the foot of a high shore, between Little Tobago
and Man-of-War Bay, which is the easternmost part of the
island. The boat soon bulged with the shock, and her
two fortunate occupants crawled to the shore, leaving the
bodies of their two deceased comrades in the boat, and the
remainder of the dog, which, by this time, had become quite
putrid.
They clambered as well as they could on all-fours along
the high coast, which rose almost perpendicularly to the height
of three or four hundred feet A great number of leaves had
fallen on the place where they were, from the numerous trees
which grew over their heads, and these they collected to lay
down upon while they waited for the coming daylight. As
the dawn appeared they began to search for water, and found
some in the holes of the rocks, but it was brackish, and not
fit to drink. They also found on the rocks several kinds of
shell-fish, some of which they broke open with a stone, and
chewed them to moisten their mouths.
Between eight and nine o'clock in the morning they were
perceived by a young Caraib, who was alternately swimming
and walking towards the boat. As soon as he had reached it,,
he called his companions with loud shouts, at the same time
making signs of the greatest compassion. His comrades in-
stantly followed him, and swam towards the captain and
mate, whom they had perceived almost at the same time.
Th© eldest of the party, a man apparently about sixty years
of age, approached them with the two youngest, whom they
afterwards learned were his son and son-in-law. At the sight
oi the poor sufferers, these compassionate men burst into
tears, while the captain endeavoured, by words and signs, to
make them comprehend that he and hie mate had been at sea
for nine days, in want of everything. The Caraibs understood
a few French words, and signified that they would fetch a
boat to convey them to their dwelling. The old man then
took a handkerchief from his head, and tied round the cap-
tain's head, and one of the young Caraibs gave Williams his
straw hat; the other swam round a projecting rock and
brought them a calabash of fresh water, some cakes of cas-
sova, and a piece of boiled fish ; but they had been so long
without food that they were unable to eat any. The two
others took the corpses out of the boat and laid them upon
the rock, after which all three of them hauled the boat out
of the water. They then departed to fetch their canoe, leaving
^80 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the poor shipwrecked mariners with every mark of the utmost
compassion.
About noon they returned in their canoe, to the number of
six, and brought with them, in an earthen pot, something re-
eembling soup, which they thought to be delicious. Of this
they partook, but the captain's stomach was so weak that he
immediately cast it up again. In less than two hours they
arrived at Man-of-War Bay, where the huts of the Caraibs
were situate. They had only one hammock, in which the
hospitable natives laid the captain, while the women, who were
in the hut, made them a very agreeable mess of herbs and
broth of quatracas and pigeons. They also bathed his feet
with a decoction of tobacco and other plants, and every
morning the man lifted him out of the hammock and carried
him in his arms beneath a lemon tree, where he covered him
with plantain leaves to screen him from the sun. There
they anointed the bodies of the poor sufferers with a kind of
oil, to cure the blisters raised by the sun. Their compassion-
ate entertainers had even the generosity to give each of them
a shirt and a pair of trousers, which they procured from the
fihips that came from time to time to trade with them for
turtles and tortoiseshell.
The method pursued by the natives in healing the numer-
our wounds which had broken out on the bodies of these un-
fortunate mariners, was this : after they had completely
cleansed the wounds, they kept the patient with his legs sus-
pended in the air, and anointed them morning and evening,
with an oil extracted from the tail of a small crab, something
resembling what the English called the soldier-crab, because
its shell is red, and which is obtained by bruising a quantity
of the ends of their tails, and putting them to digest upon the
fire in a large shell. After thus anointing them they were
co\ ered with plantain leaves till the wounds were healed.
Thanks to the nourishing food procured them by the Ca-
raibs, and the humane attention which was bestowed upon
them, the captain was able, in about three weeks time, to
support himself upon crutches, like a person recovering from
a very severe illness ; but anxious to return to his own friends
as early as possible, he cut his name with a knife upon several
boards, and gave them to different Caraibs to show them to
any ships which might chance to approach the coast. Still
they almost despaired of seeing any arrive, when a sloop from
Oionooko, laden with mules, and bound for St. Pierre, in the
LOSS OF THE BETSEY. 281
island of Martinique, touched at the sandy point on the west
side of Tobago. The Indians showed the crew a plank, upon
which was carved the name of Captain Aubin, and acquainted
them with the dreadful situation of him and his companion,
which those on board the vessel related, when they arrived at
St. Pierre. Several merchants with whom Captain Aubin
was acquainted, and who traded under Dutch colours, happened
to be there at the time, and they transmitted the information
to the owners of the Betsey, Messrs Koscoe and Nyles, whO'
instantly despatched a small vessel in quest of the survivors,
who, after living about nine weeks with this benevolent and
hospitable tribe of savages, embarked and left them ; their
regret at doing so being only equal to the joy and surprise
which they had experienced at meeting with them.
As the vessel was ready to depart, the natives furnished
them with an abundant supply of bananas, figs, yams, fowls,,
fish, and fruits, particularly oranges and lemons. The captain
had nothing to give them in return, as an acknowledgment
for their generous treatment, but the boat, which they had
repaired and used occasionally for visiting their nests of turtles,
which, being larger than their canoes, was more adapted ta
the purpose. Of this he made them a present, and his friend.
Captain Young, who commanded the small vessel, assisted
him to remunerate his benefactors, by giving them all the rum
he had with him, which was about seven or eight bottles.
He also gave them several shirts and trousers, some knives,
fish-hooks, and sail-cloth for the boat, with needles and hooks.
At length, after two days spent in preparations for their
departure, they were obliged to separate. The Caraibs came
down to the beach to the number of about thirty men, women,
and children, and all appeared to feel the deepest sorrow,
particularly the old man, who had acted as a father to them.
When the vessel left the bay, the tears flowed from their
eyes which still continued fixed upon their departing friends^
and they remained upon the beach, in a line, until they lost
sight of the vessel.
It was about nine o'clock in the morning when the vessel
sailed, steering north-east, and in three days after they arrived
at Barbadoes, where they received, from the whole island,
marks of the most tender interest and the most generous
compassion ; indeed, the benevolence of the inhabitants was
unbounded. The celebrated Dr. Hilery, the author of a treatise
on the diseases peculiar to the island, came to see them
^82 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
accompanied by Dr. Silihorn, and both prescribed various
remedies, but without effect. Both of them were unable to
speak but with the greatest difficulty. Williams remained
at Barbadoes, but the captain, being more affected and less
robust, was advised by the physicians to return to Europe.
In compliance with their advice he went to London, where
he was attended by some of the most celebrated physicians ;
and, after a judicious treatment of about five months, he was
so far restored to a state of convalescence, as to be enabled
4)0 resume his ordinary avocation.
Loss OF THE NEVA,
CONVICT SHIP,
AT THE ENTRANCE OF BAAS STRAITS.
The ship Neva, of eight hundred and thirty-seven tons, com-
manded by Captain tf. H. Peck, left Cork on the 8 th January,
1835, bound to Sidney, having a crew on board of twenty-six
men, a surgeon, a superintendent of the convicts, Dr. R
Stevenson. R.N., one hundred and fifty female convicts, fifty-
five children, and nine free emigrants. Three of the passengers,
it appears, died on their passage, and one child was born, so
iihat at the time the vessel struck, she had on board no less
than two hundred and forty souls !
For some weeks the voyage was pursued under the most
favourable circumstances ; the wind was tolerably fair, and,
though there was some sickness among the passengers and
•convicts, everything seemed to prognosticate a speedy and
propitious voyage. Alas ! how soon was that assurance of
safety changed to horrors of the most awful description.
Danger lurked in their path, and death, with all his terrors,
stood, unseen, before them. However, little deeming that
their existence was so rapidly drawing to a close, they thought
not of the future, till warned by the terrors to which they
were subjected.
At about noon on the 13 th of May, according to the ship's
reckoning, she was ninety miles from King's-Island, at the
^entrance of Baas Straits, and everything wore a favourable
LOSS OF THE NEVA. 283
aspect. A good look-out was now kept for land, which was
accordingly made, on the 14th of May at two o'clock in the
morning. In about two hours after breakers were suddenly
discovered right ahead, and immediate orders were given to
tack by Captain Peck, who was then busily engaged in his
various duties on the deck. Without the loss of a single
moment, the vessel was then placed in stays ; but, to the con-
fiternation of all on board, she immediately struck, unshipped
her rudder, and became quite unmanageable. At this moment
of terror, the wind was very strong, and the ship was under
double-reefed topsails. Scarcely had the crew and passengers
recovered from the alarm into which they had been thrown
by this astounding fact, when the vessel again struck most
violently on the larboard bow, swung broadside heavily on
the reef and directly bilged.
Horror now succeeded to the consternation and alarm into
which all the parties on board had been thrown by this unex-
pected and melancholy event. Self-preservation seemed to
be the one prevailing feeling that actuated every breast, and
the captain was loudly called upon to render what assistance
he could to rescue those who were under his care from the
perils and dangers in which they were involved He endea-
voured to soothe and console them under their misfortunes,
and earnestly besought them to restrain their terror as much
as possible under these trying circumstances ; but the immi-
nent danger of their situation rendered them desperate, and
their cries of deliverance rose louder and louder, as the danger
of the ship became every moment more apparent.
By whose orders we know not, but the pinnace was now
lowered, and the captain, the surgeon, the superintendent of
the convicts, and two of the crew got into her, and endeavoured
to make off from the now evidently sinking vessel. At this
period of dismay and confusion, the doors of the prison were
burst open by the violence with which the ship had struck,
many threw themselves over the side of the vessel, and clinging
to the boat, quickly swamped her, when, horrible to relate,
all, except the master and the two sailors perished amidst
one wild cry of horror and despair.
With the greatest difficulty the captain contrived to regain
the ship, when, without losing a moment of time, he ordered
the long-boat to be launched, and that care should be taken
to prevent a similar accident to that which had just befallen
them, by too many endeavouring to force their way into her.
284 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
After having taken the utmost caution to secure, as they
believed, their own deliverance from a dreadful death, the
long-boat was at length pushed off; but scarcely had they
got away from the ship, when the boat was upset by the
violence of the surf, and the whole of the party precipitated
into the sea.
The master and the chief -mate, being good swimmers, once
more succeeded in saving themselves from the death which
appeared, even to themselves, to be inevitable. With extreme
difficulty they managed to reach the ship, but scarcely had
they got on board, when a new horror awaited them — the
vessel went to pieces, and every hope of preservation vanished
like an unsubstantial dream.
The scene at this moment was most awful, and wholly inde-
scribable. The vessel had been divided into four parts, each
of which was covered with the fcerror-stricken females in the
light dress in which they had just before simultaneously
rushed from their beds, and with the remaining part of the
crew, were clinging wildly to all parts of the wreck, and
screaming for help in the most piteous manner. This was,
indeed, a moment of terror, which would have appalled even
the boldest. Situated as they were upon a frail and shaking
wreck, not one gleam of hope broke in upon to cheer or inspire
them.
Beneath, and all around, were the lashing waves, roaring
aloud as if eager to engulf them. Above the winds howled
in hideous triumph over the work of devastation and death
which they had caused, and rocking the frail and disjointed
wreck so that each moment seemed to the terrified creatures
as if it would be their last in this world. Every plank and
joist creaked as the contending elements warred furiously with
each other, and insecure as this place of refuge seemed, the
hearts of the poor creatures quailed lest it should sink and
bury them in the yawning abyss of water. Nor was it long
before their worst apprehensions were verified. The vessel,
parted as it was, soon afterwards went to pieces, the final
work of destruction was completed, and the whole of those
on board, were precipitated, shrieking with horror, into the
raging ocean !
In this perilous situation, nearly the whole of the un-
fortunate sufferers were consigned to an untimely death.
About two-and-twenty persons, however, consisting of some
of the crew, and a few of the convicts, were carried, by
LOSS OF THE NEVA. 285
clinging to various disjointed portions of the wreck, to King's
Island, which was situate at the distance of about nine miles
from the spot where this distressing accident had taken place.
But their struggles to gain the shore were desperate and
severe, and it was not till after they had been in the water
for a period exceeding eight hours that they at last succeeded
in attaining the much-desired land. Of these twenty-two
suffering creatures, seven shortly afterwards died, from ab-
solute exhaustion and the excessive fatigue to which they had
for so long a period been subjected.
After having buried the bodies of their unfortunate com-
panions in misery, and having, in some degree, recovered from
the cold and fatigue they had endured, the remaining fifteen
succeeded, after considerable difficulty, in erecting a temporary
tent of the few things that were occasionally washed ashore
from the wreck of the Neva. In this dreadful situation they
were not suffered to perish by the Providence who had hitherto
preserved them from the fate that had befallen their late
companions in misery — a few provisions were washed ashore
from the vessel ; and upon the scanty supply thus afforded
they contrived, with economy, to subsist for about fifteen
days.
At this period, most singularly, and as events now make it
appear, most fortunately for the survivors of the Neva, a small
vessel, the Tartar, belonging to Hobart Town, and the pro-
perty of Mr. C. Friend, was wrecked on another part of the
same island. The whole of the crew had been saved, and, like
the others, had erected a tent as a place of shelter, till a vessel
should arrive to take them from that cheerless spot. Whilst
they were thus waiting for the anticipated succour, their
attention was excited by the numerous portions of a wreck
which they found on the sea-shore.
Actuated by curiosity, and a desire to ascertain whether
any of the crew of the ill-fated vessel had escaped, the men,
belonging to the Tartar, commenced a journey round the
island, in order to satisfy themselves upon the subject. In
this expedition they encountered perils and fatigue of no
ordinary kind, and after a search of two or three days, arrived
at the tent which had been erected by the survivors of the
unfortunate Neva. The meeting between these fellow-victims
of adversity, was most affecting. Their hearts at once yearned
towards each other as if they had been brothers, and uniting
themselves in one association, they resolved to remain together
19
286 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
until they should be relieved from the solitary island upon
which they had been thrown.
The crew of the Tartar had been accompanied by a sealer, a
passenger in that vessel, who had luckily saved several of his
hunting dogs. With the assistance of these sagacious animals
they soon afterwards succeeded in taking a walaby, upon which
the persons on the island lived until the period of their release
from this scene of desolation and despair. Each day men were
placed upon the loftiest eminences near the sea-coast, in order
to discover whether any vessels passed within view, and in the
event of a ship being seen, to hail her by whatever signals
they could make. Whilst some of the party were thus em-
ployed others were engaged in fishing and hunting, whilst
the remainder busied themselves in increasing the comforts
of the tents which they had erected for their shelter, from
the inclement season, which had just set in, in those latitudes.
The sufferings, both mental and bodily, to which these poor
creatures were subjected, it would be impossible to describe.
A thousand thoughts of home and distant friends, were ever
flitting through their minds. They remembered with regret
the happiness that had once been theirs, and contrasting it
with the misery to which they were at present doomed, despair
at last yielded to the hopes they had once formed of escaping
from the wretched situation in which their lot was cast. Day
after day passed wearily by, and still no succour came to these
heavily afflicted creatures, till at last they began to regret
that the raging elements which had destroyed so many of their
companions had not involved them in the same dreadful
fate.
At last, on the 15th of June, exactly one month from the
time of the wreck taking place, Mr. Friend arrived at the
island, in the Sarah Ann, another of his vessels. It happened,
by chance, that Mr. Friend was passing King's Island for
the whahng station at Portland Bay, and went on shore, the
signals made giving him reason to suppose that there were
some persons there in distress. Upon landing, he was
immediately surrounded by nearly the whole number of the
shipwrecked persons, who hailed him joyfully as their deliverer
from misery and death. Mr. Friend assured them that he
would do all in his power to alleviate their distress, and con-
soled them with the promise of landing them at Launceston
as speedily as possible. They then collected together all the
bodies that they could find of the unfortunate creatures who
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 287
had been washed ashore from the wreck, and pronouncing over
them the solemn rites of Christian burial, consigned to the
grave no less than one hundred of their fellow human beings.
This melancholy duty performed, the whole of the ship-
wrecked persons, with the exception of two seamen, and one
female convict who at the time were at the other side of the
island, the survivors of this awful calamity were got on board
the Sarah Ann, preparatory to their departure from this sterile
island. A fair wind befriended them, and on the 27th of
June they arrived in safety at Launceston, in New Holland.
As soon as the local government was made acquainted with
the disastrous affair, the cutter Shamrock was despatched to
King's Island, for the purpose of taking off whatever persons
might have been left there, and to pick up any portion of the
wreck, or government stores, which might have floated on
shore. On arriving at the place of destination, the two sailors
and the female convict were found, who, on discovering that
their fellow-sufferers had left the island, were reduced to a
state of absolute despair. Upon seeing the cutter their confi-
dence once more returned, and they joyfully hastened on board
the vessel that was to bear them from the land of inhospitality
and horror. The crew of the cutter then collected together
what portions of the wreck of the Neva and her stores they
could find, and having buried a few more bodies that had been
drifted on shore, they quitted the island and landed them in
safety at Launceston, where the whole of the survivors received
that care and protection they so much needed in their deplor-
able condition.
Had there been proper attention paid by those whose
duty it was to attend to the shipment and safety of the
convicts, in all probability the catastrophe might have been
greatly ameliorated, if not avoided.
Loss OF The ST. LAWRENCE,
OFF THE
COAST OF NORTH AMERICA.
The St. Lawrence, a brig bound to New York, sailed from the
basin of Quebec on the 17th of November, 1780, with several
288 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
British officers on board. One of these was Ensign Prenties^
of the 84th regiment, being charged with despatches to Sir
Henry Clinton. Another vessel was in company, a schooner,
having a duplicate of the despatches for New York.
On the 26th of the month, the St. Lawrence and her consort
reached the Brandy Pot Islands, about forty leagues below
Quebec, where they were obliged to cast anchor. The weather
was very cold, and the St. Lawrence so leaky as to require a
pump to be constantly kept going. As soon as they could
proceed on their voyage they set sail again, and soon made
the Island of Anticosti, near the mouth of the St. Lawrence.
The wind again set in contrary, and they were obliged to beat
on and off between the island and the shore for four days.
The leaks in the vessel increased, and they were forced to
keep two pumps at work day and night. The ship was now
more northerly than she had been before, and the ice began
to form so fast around her, that they were obliged to clear it
away lest it should accumulate, and be frozen together. The
seamen were not expert, and altogether not equal to do the
work of the vessel at such a crisis. The master was constantly
intoxicated in his cabin, and yet every moment the benefit of
a community of experience was more necessary.
The wind being to the westward on the 28th, they sailed
down the gulf with two feet water on board. The wind
increased until it blew a gale. On the first of December, the
crew, overcome with fatigue and the severity of the cold,
refused to work any longer at the pumps. The leak was
gaining upon them. The water was now four feet in the hold,
and the sailors declared they were indifferent to their fate,
as they preferred going to the bottom to the incessant fatigue,
when it could not be of the slightest avail to save them. Their
labour from the time they set sail had been excessive, and
matters had reached such a pitch, that they could hardly
hope, by any chance, to save the vessel, even if a hope remained
of their own lives. By earnest entreaty, and giving them a
pint of wine each man, they were with difficulty persuaded
to exert themselves, saying that whether the ship filled or
not was of no consequence to them. Though the delay had
been short at the pumps, the water had increased a foot in a
quarter of an hour. The sailors, encouraged by the wine, in
two hours reduced the water to three feet. The captain still
remained in his cabin. The gale increased, and the ice formed
80 thickly on the vessel's side as to hinder her progress through
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 289
the water. Additional labour was required to clear it away,
which the company on board were ill able to execute, and the
leak gained upon them.
The vessel which had set sail at the same time with the
St. Lawrence was in as bad a state as that ship, having struck
on a rock at the Island of Coudres, from the carelessness of
the pilot. Heavy snow fell, and it was with the utmost
difficulty the ships could keep in sight of each other. A gun
was fired every half hour lest they should part company. At
length no answer came from the schooner. She had gone
down with every person on board. The gale increased, the
sea ran high, and it was impossible to see twenty yards a-head
of the vessel from the falling of the snow. The water had
risen to five feet in the hold, owing to the fatigue of the crew.
The mate judged that the ship was not far from the Magdalen
Islands, which lie in the middle of the gulf of St. Lawrence.
These are mostly a cluster of rocks. Many of the rocks are
under water, and very dangerous to navigation. They are
always avoided in foggy weather, though when it is fine seamen
like to make them. The opinion of the mate was well founded;
about two hours after, a rocky island, one of the number
called the Deadman, lying furthest of the group to the west-
ward, was seen close under the lee of the ship, and it was
with great difficulty that the point of it was weathered. The
vessel was now hardly safe, for there were numerous islands
and rocks near ; the snow was falling thick, yet they had the
good fortune notwithstanding, to escape them all.
Their anxiety while passing, and their joy when they had
shot by them, were both very great. The crew, overcome
with cold and fatigue, took fresh heart from having escaped
such imminent dangers, and believing Providence was favour-
able to them, they continued to exert themselves. Wine was
also served out to them occasionally, which was of great service.
The gale still continued, the sea running very high, so that
they were apprehensive of the stern being beaten in. This
happened on the 5th of January, when the sea struck the
quarter, stove in the dead lights, filled the cabin, and washed
the master out of bed, where he had skulked ever since the
commencement of the storm. It; was now discovered that
the shock was of a most serious nature, for the stern post had
been started by the violence of the sea, and the leaks increased.
It was in vain they attempted to stop them with beef cut
into small pieces, the water poured in faster than it had even
290 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
done before. The crew, finding their labour inefifectual,.
abandoned the ship to its fate in despair, and would pump no
longer. An attempt was indeed made by them once afterwards
to use the pumps, and endeavour to keep the water under ;
but it was found they were choked up with ice and frozen so
much, that they were quite useless. The vessel in a little
time filled with water, but did not sink, though all on board
expected her every moment to go to the bottom. In fact she
did sink much deeper in the sea than before. They now
recollected she was laden with lumber, which immediately
accounted for the circumstance of her keeping afloat. Hope
of preservation now sprung up afresh in the bosom of the
crew. If they could make the island of St. John, or some
ather near it, all might yet be well. They steered directly
before the wind to prevent oversetting, though there was
difficulty in doing this, because the sea washed clean over the
decks. It was necessary, if possible, to preserve the boat, a&
its loss would be, in such circumstances, a terrible misfortune.
The cabin was on the deck, and being clear of water, afforded
a tolerable shelter. The man at the helm was made fast with
a rope, to prevent his being carried overboard. In this way
they drove before the wind for some time, the violence of the
gale still unabated.
The suppposition of the captain was that the ship could be
no great distance from the land ; he supposed they must be
near the Island of St. John, between the Magdalen Islands
and the Gut of Canso, They were, therefore, in hopes of being
able to run the ship on shore, on some sandy part of the island,
and thus save their lives. This hope was destroyed by the
captain's statement, that the north-east side of the island,
where they then must be, was one continued reef of rocks, and
that there was but one harbour, which was on the opposite side
to the spot where the vessel then drove. Not a long while after
the waves were shorter than before, and broke higher, a sign of
approaching the land. Gulls, too, were seen, and other birds
flying about; a sure evidence that these conjectures were not
ill-founded. It was now concluded they were running right
upon the formidable rocks of St. John.
The ship was under a close reefed fore-topsail, yet she had
great way through the water. They did not venture to unfurl
more canvass, and, indeed, had they done so, their sails would
have been rent in the storm. The fore-topsail was new, and
stood the wind entire. The captain wished to keep the ship
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 291
off the land, and to bring her to for that purpose ; but the
mate and Mr. Prenties opposed the measure, fearing she would
overset in the attempt, and showed that, if she answered the
helm, she must ultimately go on shore, because she could, in
her existing state, make no way to windward. The captain
attempted to brace about the fore-yard, but it was found im-
practicable, the ropes and blocks were all firmly frozen.
In the interim the colour of the water had changed, and
the vessel was every moment expected to strika There was
small hope of any of the lives of those on board being saved,
and all prepared for the worst. Mr. Prenties fastened his
despatches and letters round his waist. His servant took a
hundred and fifty guineas, which his master told him he might
have if he pleased, and which he fortunately secured about
his person. The atmosphere became clearer about one o'clock
in the day, and the land was descried at three leagues' dis-
tance. Much pleasure was at first afforded at the sight, from
their taking it for St. John, where they hoped to be hospitably
received. They quickly found, however, that they were mis-
taken. The sketches they had on board showed not the least
similarity to the coast before them, no similar mountains and
precipices being discoverable. As the ship made towards the
shore, every heart beat quick, and then palpitated with fear,
as the sea was observed breaking high in foam upon the rocks
a scene appaling to the stoutest heart. There was a reef
between the ship and the sandy beach, on which they expected
the vessel must have struck, and their doom be sealed in a
moment. Contrary to expectation, she went on through the
boiling and raging breakers, shipping heavy seas, which her
great strength alone enabled her to bear. She surmounted
the reef without touching, and the first great danger seemed
past. They had now a pause of a moment to cast their eyes
towards the shore. The land seemed rocky and high, but at
the distance of about a mile they descried a fine sandy beach
with a bold shore. The sea, too, chey found ran less high
than without the reef they had so providentially crossed. As
the ship approached the land, they found the water still deep
so that they were within fifty or sixty yards of it before the
ship struck. All expected, at the moment of her striking,
that she must go to pieces, she grounded with such violence.
At the first blow the mainmast started from the step, at the
second the foremast. Neither, however, fell over, because the
hold being packed close with deals, the masLs had still no
292 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
room below to play. The rudder was unshipped at the
moment with great violence, so that one of the sailors was
nearly killed by it. The sea broke over all, while every wave
lifted the ship four or five feet nearer the shore. The stern
was soon beaten in, and those who had before been sheltered in
the cabin were now compelled to hang by the shrouds on deck,
to prevent being washed overboard. There they remained,
the sea carrying the ship so high upon the beach at last, that
the deck might be securely walked upon. The keel of the
vessel, it was now ascertained, was broken, and she was every
moment expected to go to pieces. This, however, did not
happen. It was probable that the boards were frozen in the
hold, and thus a solid mass was opposed to the action of the
waves, capable for some time of a successful resistance.
The boat was now got out of the leeward side of the ship
which had broached to, and thus afforded a shelter for the
purpose. The ice being previously cleared out of her, some
liquor was distributed to those who were sober, and Mr.
Prenties asked if any were willing to embark, and attempt
to reach the shore. The sea running so high, few were in-
clined to venture. The mate, two sailors, a passenger, and a
boy, were all who would join in making the experiment. The
foam of the surf broke over them every moment, and every
drop of water froze as it fell, so that their clothes were one
sheet of ice. The boat being got into the water, and an axe
and saw thrown in also, three others leaped in. The boy
trying to spring down fell into the sea, and was dragged out
with difficulty, owing to the benumbed state of their fingers.
The chill given to the poor youth he could never recover.
The two sailors next leapt in, and then all in the ship seemed
ready to follow the example. It was necessary to push off,
therefore, as quick as possible, lest too many should rush in
and sink them. The ship was only about forty yards from
the shore, but before the boat was half-way there, a wave
overtook and nearly swamped it; while the next drove it
high and dry on the sand. For a few moments joy was in
every heart, at being once more upon the firm land, and the
future dreary prospect was forgotten. Their condition on a
cold, snow-covered coast did not occur to them, and that they
might be reserved for a destiny more horrible.
Night was near at hand, and those who had reached the
shore felt themselves getting stiff with cold. The gale was as
high as ever, and they were obliged to wade up to their waists
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 293
in snow to the shelter of a thick wood, situated about two
hundred and fifty yards from the beach, which afforded them
eome little relief from the piercing wind. A fire was necessary,
but they found their tinder was so wet that they had no re-
source but to pass the weary hours of the long and freezing
night in exercise. Mr. Prenties, who had been used to cold
climates, from his own experience, recommended them to
move about. For the first half-hour they attended to this
advice ; but the poor youth who had fallen into the sea found
himself so overcome with the cold, that he laid down. In
half an hour, the desire to sleep was felt by them all, but
resisted by Mr. Prenties and the mate, from a conviction of
the fatal consequences attending it. The boy was soon found
quite cold, but not dead. He desired his father, at New York,
might be written to, and informed of his fate, and in ten
minutes was dead, having expired apparently without pain.
The knowledge of the poor lad's death did not deter the
servant of Mr Prenties and the two sailors from lying down
to sleep also, in the teeth of the most urgent remonstrances
and exhortations. Finding they could not be kept on their
legs, Mr. Prenties and the mate employed themselves during
the night in beating them constantly with branches of trees.
This saved their lives, besides giving himself and the mate
something to do ; the only two who were governed by reason
in that trying moment. At last the weary hours of the pain-
ful night dragged themselves out, and day dawned. Mr.
Prenties made the men pull down their stockings, as they
observed they had no feeling in their legs, and they were
observed to be frozen halfway up. They were immediately
rubbed with snow, but it was impossible to bring back the
circulation.
On going to the beach, they found that the ship still held
together, though the storm continued. The object to be
achieved first was to get the people on shore before she went
to pieces, because the safety of one was that of all. There
was only a very short distance at low water between the ship
and the shore. Waiting until it was low water, they fastened
s. rope to the jib-boom, and easily swung themselves to the
«hore, one by one, dropping upon it as the waves retired. The
carpenter was still left on board ; he had drunk too hard the
night before.
The captain brought ashore materials for obtaining a light ;
wood was gathered, and a fire kindled as quickly as possible,
294 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
by which they were all enable to warm their benumbed limbs.
This was a luxury, however, which was followed by very pain-
ful consequences to those whose limbs were frozen. On being
brought to the fire, and the frost-bitten members exposed to
its action, the most torturing pains were endured from the
thawing of the hardened flesh. The suffering was beyond
expression great.
A passenger in the vessel was unaccounted for upon number-
ing the survivors of the ship's company ; it was now recol-
lected he had fallen asleep in the ship, and been frozen to
death. His name was Green. One man, the carpenter,
already mentioned, still remained on board ; they could make
no effort to save him that day ; but determined to make the
attempt on the following one. The luxury of a fire was great,
but the want of shelter was still terribly felt ; and the hunger
began to assail them in addition to their former miseries.
The next morning, all who possessed strength sufficient
repaired to the beach to try whether there was any means of
delivering the carpenter from his perilous situation. They
could still hear his voice in the vessel, but the sea ran as high
as ever, and the boat could not swim if launched. They were
obliged to wait until the tide was out, and then they with
difficulty persuaded him to leave the ship in the way the
others had done.
For two days more, the 7th and 8th, the wind blew as hard
and piercing as ever, and the vessel broke up, by the violence
of the sea, from the stern as far as the mainmast. Some pro-
visions were now washed on shore ; they consisted of salt-beef
and fresh meat which had been hung over the stern, together
with a quantity of onions. It was now the fourth day that
these miserable men had endured hunger, under a temperature
below the freezing point That they were thus enabled to
satisfy their appetites, and strengthen themselves for what
the future might have in store for them, they considered as
most providential ; and when their meal was concluded, and
they had made what to them was a most delicious repast,
they collected all they could find scattered along the beach
for their future wants. Their number was now seventeen,
and out of all, the mate and Mr. Prenties alone were capable
of exerting themselves actively. It was necessary to provide
some kind of shelter, and a quantity of deals having floated
ashore from the wreck, two hundred and fifty were carried
into the wood, a sort of tent was built, about twenty feet long
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 295^
by ten wide, and completed the same night by ten o'clock.
They next examined into the state of their provisions, and
found, to their great joy that they possessed between two and
three hundred pounds of salt beef and a considerable supply
of onions. Still it was resolved to keep themselves upon short
allowance. A quarter of a pound of beef and four onions
were all that could be afforded daily to each man.
The gale abated on the 11th of December, and then they
were able to launch their boat and get upon the wreck. It
cost a day's labour to open the hatches, having only one axe,
and the cables being frozen over them into a mass of ice. The
following day, by cutting up the deck, they got out two casks
of onions and a barrel of beef, containing about a hundred
and twenty pounds weight. They also found what they
imagined to be three barrels of apples, shipped by a Jew of
Quebec, but which proved, unfortunately, to be balsam of
Canada. They got out a quarter of a cask of potatoes a bottle
of oil, an axe, a large iron pot, two camp-kettles, and twelve
pounds of candles. These they stowed away in their hut.
They now added four onions to their daily allowance. They
next cut away as much of the sails as they could from the
bow-sprit, for the purpose of covering their hut, by which
means it was made tolerably warm. The wounds of the men
cansed by the frost now began to mortify ; and the toes and
fingers of many to rot off. Their torments soon became al-
most beyond human endurance. The carpenter, who came
last on shore, died delirious, on the 14th, having lost the
greater part of his feet. They covered his body with snow
and the branches of trees, for the ground was become im-
penetrably hard from the frost. In three days more, the
second mate died, who likewise became delirious some time
before he expired. Death caused now little concern to men
who thought it a happiness to be beyond further suffering ;
and there were fewer to consume their scanty stock of provi-
sions ; a thing which was by no means of light moment in an
atmosphere where hunger was greater, and the means of
gratifying it less, than in any other situation. Vermin very
soon began to proceed from the wounds of the sick, which
infected the healthy. Several came off with the loss of a toe
or a finger or two. Mr. Prenties alone escaped without being
frost-bitten. Another seaman died on the 20th. They were-
now fifteen; but the allowance of provisions was not in-
creased.
296 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The mate and Mr. Plenties, upon a fine day, set out and
walked up a river, on the ice, for ten or twelve miles. They
there fell in with a wigwam, or Indian hut. They observed
tracks of deer and other animals, but had no fire-arms to kill
them. They found the skin of a moose-deer hanging across
a pole, and trees which were cut on each side with an
axe, but they could not find any human beings. Mr. Prenties
cut a directing-pole, and carved a hand in birch-bark, thinking,
if any saw it, they might find them out.
They had now been twenty days in this forlorn situation,
and their provisions began to get reduced so much as to
occasion a suspicion that all was not fair in the consumption.
Poul play was apprehended, and it was discovered, by keeping
watch, that the captain and two sailors had consumed no less
than seventy pounds of beef, besides onions. The mate and
Mr. Prenties were obliged afterwards to keep watch, one or
other remaining in the hut, to prevent these depredators from
plundering the common stock.
They had given up all hopes of aid from any quarter, and
having but six weeks' provisions left, Mr. Prenties proposed
taking the boat, to search for inhabitants, or for some kind
of relief, even from the Indian population of the country.
The proposal was agreed to, but the difficulty was to put the
boat in such a state of repair as would allow her to float, for
every seam was open from her strains on the beach. Dry
oakum they possessed, but no pitch. At length it occurred
to them, that the Canada balsam might be serviceable. They
boiled it down in an iron kettle, and, sufiering it to cool, made
it answer.
It was new-year's day when the boat, in a tolerable floating
condition, was got into the water. Six persons embarked
Mr. Prenties and servant, the captain and mate, and two
sailors. None of the rest were able to join in the expedition.
Their shoes being nearly worn out, Mr. Prenties set to work
to make Indian shoes of canvas ; his needle was the handle
of a pewter spoon, and the canvas unravelled, supplied the
thread. Twelve pair were thus fabricated ; two pair for each
person. They now divided their provisions, which were cal-
culated at a quarter of a pound a-day, for six weeks, those in
the boat and those left behind sharing alike. The wind was
adverse until the 4th of January, and even then the quantity
of ice on the coast rendered the expedition exceedingly perilous.
It was equally hazardous to stay, with the certainty of starving.
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 29^
They, therefore, taking leave of their companions, embarked
upon as uncertain a course as ever was undertaken upon the
ocean. When about eight miles distant, the wind blew off
shore. By great toil they at last got into a bay, and hauled
up their boat as high as they could on the strand. They then
cut wood to make a sort of wigwam to shelter them. Near
this place they saw, from a high point of land, a Newfoundland
fishing-boat, half covered with sand. This made them proceed
further, and they spied, to their great joy, some houses at a
distance. On reaching them, they were only old abandoned
storehouses, built for curing fish. Some casks, which lay
near, they searched in vain for provisions. They got a quart
of cranberries, which they ate.
The wind now blew from the north-west with great violence
for two days. The sea was frozen up for leagues, and seemed
to preclude all hope of their proceeding. By land they could
not travel for want of snow shoes, as the snow lay in great
depth. Two days more they waited, when, on the 9th of
January, the wind blew off the land, and the sea was perfectly
clear. The force of the wind, however, prevented their pro-
ceeding until the 11th. They launched their boat with
difficulty, for their reduced strength and want of nourishment.
They made a tolerable course, until they saw a very high
point before them, which they estimated at a distance of
seven leagues. The coast appeared one continued precipice,
80 that it appeared not possible to effect a landing, until they
reached the extreme point of the Cape. The passage seemed
dangerous, and the least change of wind must have driven
them upon the rocks. Danger was, however, no stranger to
these unfortunate men. They kept two oars going, and two
of the hands were constantly employed in baling. They
reached the head-land about eleven o'clock at night, but could
find no place to land, and were obliged to keep along the
shore until two o'clock in the morning, when the wind in-
creased, and having a stormy beach in view, they thought it
prudent to land. They got out their provisions, but could
not haul up the boat from the steepness of the shore, and
they were compelled to leave it to the mercy of the ocean.
On the 13th, the wind blowing from the sea, the boat was
driven up twenty yards higher on the shore than where she
had been left, and several holes forced in her bottom. They
had little covering, and no firing, except from a few pieces of
timber which floated ashore, so that they were nearly frozen.
298 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The weather continued the same for eight days, attended with
■a prodigious fall of snow, which added to their previous mise-
Ties. The snow had fallen to the depth of three feet previously
to the 21st, on which day they were able to cook their pro-
visions. This they had effected but once before since they
landed. Their not doing this was a great loss to them, as the
broth in which the meat was boiled afforded them a most
important part of their warmth and nutriment. They were
still able, weak as they were, to turn their boat partly over, to
•see the extent of the injury she had sustained. They found
the balsam quite rubbed off, and holes in the bottom. They
were in hopes the ice would go away from the coast, as it had
done before, and that, if they could but repair the boat, they
might soon fall in with inhabitants. They had no balsam,
but they had a small quantity of dry oakum, which could be of
no service by itself. Finding that to make the boat seaworthy
was beyond their power, they thought the ice might bear them
:a little way along the coast, until they could get into the
woods. Mr. Prenties and the mate tried the experiment, and
had not gone far before they fell in with the mouth of a river,
and a fine sandy beach. Now, though it was practicable, and
they could get into the woods, they were ignorant of the right
direction, as the snow was six feet deep, and could not be
crossed without snow-shoes. They finally resolved the next
^day to take their provisions on their backs, and coast along
the ice, which seemed likely to remain.
On the morning of the 24th, the wind having changed in
the night, the ice was driven out to sea, and they were still
exposed on a cold dreary beach, surrounded by insurmountable
precipices. At length they thought of filling the holes in the
boat with oakum, and throwing water upon it sufficient to
freeze. The scheme succeeded. As long as the weather
<jontinued to freeze the boat would be dry. It was the 27th
when all was ready, and they once more left the shore on
their forlorn voyage. In the evening of that day they
<}omputed they had rowed about twelve miles. G-reatly
fatigued, they landed on a small sandy beach, and made a fire.
On the day following they made six miles, when the wind
rising, forced them to put on shore. The snow in the woods
would not bear their weight. The 1st of February they were
obliged to make their boat sea-worthy as before, and again
set sail, but the cold and floating ice prevented their making
jnore then five miles all day. One of them was continually
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 299
employed in breaking the ice with a pole. In proceeding
their boat made so much water they were forced to keep
bailing incessantly. After sailing sixteen miles they saw a
very high point of land, which they judged to be six leagues
off, and soon after an island, which they imagined must be
that of St. Paul, near Cape Breton, while the high land they
thought was the cape itself. The great height of the latter
made them compute the distance erroneously, and it was dark
when they reached it, but could find no landing-place. They
were therefore obliged to take to their oars all nighk About
five in the morning, while it was yet dark, they found them-
selves off a sandy beach of very considerable length. A heavy
sea rolled in, and landing was hazardous, but they effected it
in safety, and got into the woods once more, where they
kindled a fire, Mr. Prenties having secured the tinder-box in
his bosom to keep it dry. They were so fatigued they could
scarcely keep awake for a few minutes, when before the fire.
They were obliged to watch in turn, for had all fallen asleep
together, it would have been their last. They were now all
satisfied that they had doubled the north cape of Cape Breton.
It happened that they had not been able to secure their
boat so effectually as to prevent the sea from beating it high
on the beach, and filling it with sand ; while a part of the
crew were employed in clearing it out, the rest travelled along
the beach in search of something which might be eaten. A
quantity of oyster-shells were observed, but no oysters were
found near the shore, nor anything which would alleviate
their sufferings, except about two quarts of hips or wild rose-
buds, which they discovered under the snow. These, ill-
adapted as they were for the sustenance of man, were still
eagerly devoured. They served to allay the keen sense of
hunger, if they imparted no nourishment. They now pushed
off their boat once more, but the ice soon forced them to land
on another part of the same beach. In landing, Mr. Prenties
unfortunately dropped the tinder-box into the water, which
prevented their kindling a fire, and they began to suffer pro-
portionably from the cold. They therefore thought it best
to embark again, and return to the place from whence they
had started, in the hope of finding their fire was not yet
extinguished. They could not accomplish their task without
great difficulty, from the necessity of breaking the ice the
whole way, it having frozen with great rapidity. The delay
made them the more anxious to reach the fire-place, and they
300 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
now considered themselves fortunate they had not been able
to go farther from it. They had the good fortune to find the
embers still alive. Had this not been the case, they must
have perished in the course of the night, from the severity
of the cold.
It was on the 8th of February before the ice suffered them
to embark again, and in the evening they landed at a spot
where they were sheltered from the wind and sea by a large
rock, better than they had been before. On the 9th, they
had sailed about eight miles, when the swell of the sea forced
them to land, and in getting to the shore, two of their oars
were washed overboard by the surf. The next day they put
to sea again, having their oars double manned, and made
about six miles.
This was a hard day's work for men so reduced in strength.
They were scarcely able to walk fifty yards without halting
to recover themselves. They were obliged to remain stationary
the whole of the 11th, but thought themselves fortunate in
finding more rose-buds, which they considered a great delicacy.
They were so unfortunate as never to find the dead body of
any animal. They saw some otters on the ice, but were never
able to catch any of them. They also saw some beavers'
houses, but could not succeed in taking any of their inhabi-
tants. On the 12th, they again set sail. On the 13th, the
weather became more mild, and they had rain, which melting
the ice, forced them to pull the boat to the land before night-
fall came on. They searched everywhere under the snow
for their wretched fare of rose-hips in vain, and they were so
driven by hunger, that they were compelled to sacrifice the
candles, which they had reserved for stopping the leaks of
their boat, to the calls of hunger ; this sufficed for a partial
relief, but the future still filled them with dismay. For two
days they made few miles only, going on shore and searching
for rose-hips in vain. Their dreadful situation now came
upon them in full force, and the fear of perishing with hunger
in all its terrors stared them in the face, and drove them
almost to desperation. In the midst of their apprehension
of death by famine, when it might be supposed extreme bodily
suffering would overcome every idea but that of prolonging
existence, Mr. Prenties confessed that the approach of death
was not so terrible to his mind, as the reflection that his
friends would never know his wretched fate. So strong was
this feeling, that he could not help cutting his name m the
(J
c
V
u
C/5
O
o
o
ro
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 301
bark of the largest trees. His weakness, and the fear of
injuring his knife, the only instrument of the kind among
the party, forbade his carving more of their story, but he
confessed he had written the tale of their wreck, in French
and English, on the walls of the old storehouses they dis-
covered soon after they left the place of shipwreck.
On the 17th, they again doled out a portion of their candles
for food, and the next day reached a fine sandy beach, and a
level country. There they resolved to put on shore and die,
unless some unforeseen aid appeared. They were so weak,
they were obliged to leave their boat to the mercy of the sea.
They felt they could not survive much longer. They cleared
away the snow at the entrance of a wood, and cutting some
branches of pine to lie upon, and others to shelter themselves,
they made a fire. They were fortunate enough to find a pint
of hips, which they boiled with two tallow candles, and made
what they thought a comfortable meal. The next day they
got nothing to eat, and fearing that their strength must soon
entirely quit them, they cut and piled up as much wood as
they were able, that they might supply their fire to the last
moment. They had preserved their axe, a saw, and the sail
of the boat, which they used for a covering. The boat had
been beaten up high and dry, so that, had they been inclined,
they could not again have put to sea. All the 19 th they
employed without success in search of hips, and they had
only two candles left.
On the 20th, they were so weak, that none of them were
able to manage the axe to cut wood, and they were obliged
to creep about and pick up the rotten branches that lay
upon the ground. At length they could only maintain a
fire which barely kept them from freezing. The weather
was as cold as it had been in December. They now
thought of the sea-weed on the beach, as a resource against
hunger, for they could find no more hips. They collected
some, and boiling it a few hours in their kettle, found
it very little tenderer than when raw. They next boiled one
of their two remaining candles in the liquor, and by taking
it and eating a quantity of the weed, they found themselves
somewhat easier. Not long after this they were seized with
vomiting, which lasted four hours, when they became easy,
but completely exhausted. On the 22nd they took more
kelp-weed and their last candle. The effects that followed
were the same as before, only less violent. A severe frost
20
302 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
then set in, and they ineffectually tried to launch their boat
but their united strength could not move it.
The candles were all consumed, and ihey were forced to boil
the kelp without tallow, which they still ate with a relish.
They found that this food made them swell to an alarming de-
gree, after living upon it for three days. They were all swollen
to such a degree, that on pressure their fingers would sink a
couple of inches deep into the skin. Their strength was more
reduced, still hunger forced them to keep to the same diet.
At length two or three days more having elapsed, they found
they had nearly lost their sight, and so much was their strength
now diminished, that they could with difficulty keep in their
fire, from the rotten branches of trees.
There seemed at such a moment no alternative but the
making one of their number a sacrifice by lot, to keep his
companions alive; and it at length appears to have been
agreed secretly, that as the captain was so very much reduced
as to be clearly the first who must sink under his sufferings
of all the party, and as the loss of the ship was mainly owing
to his misconduct; and further, as he had deceived all on
board by pretending his passage was for New York, when in
reality it was for the West Indies, for these reasons it was
urged that he should be the first victim.
They kept this a profound secret from the miserable man.
A few days more, and the sacrifice must have been offered
up, when fortunately, on the 28th of February, as they were
all stretched round their miserable fire, they heard the sound
of voices in the wood, and two Indians were soon discovered
with guns in their hands approaching the spot. The sight of
them gave some of the unfortunate sufferers spirits to get on
their feet, and move towards them with eagerness. The
Indians were much surprised at the sight of human beings
in so frightful a state. The clothes of the party were nearly
burned off, and their bodies partly bare ; their limbs swollen
to a prodigious size ; their eyes almost invisible, being sunk
beneath the distended skin; and their hair and beards not
touched since they left the wreck. Some wept, and some
laughed for joy at seeing the Indians, who did not seem in-
clined to be very familiar, until Mr. Prenties shook one of
them by the hand, and the shake was returned very heartily
in the Indian manner. These kind creatures showed, by
signs, that they pitied the unhappy men. They went to the
fire with them, and all sat down together around it. At the
LOSS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 303
desire of one who could speak a little French, Mr. Prenties
told them whence they had come, and what they had suffered.
The Indian appeared much affected at the recital. He was
then asked if he could give them any food, and he told them
he could. Seeing there was very little fire, he started up and
took the axe, but observing its bad state, he threw it down
again, and with his tomahawk cut a quantity of wood, flung
it on the fire, and taking up his gun, went off with his com-
panion, not speaking a word.
Three hours had elapsed before the Indians returned. They
came in a bark canoe by sea, and landing on the beach, took
out some smoked venison and a bladder of seal-oil. They then
boiled the venison in snow-water, but would only give each
man a very small quantity, together with a little oil. As
soon as the repast was over, they desired three to embark
with them, being all the canoe could carry, and they proceeded
towards their home, which was five miles off, and a mile inland
in the middle of the woods. On the beach three other Indians
received them, with twelve or thirteen women and children,
who were waiting their arrival. The two Indians returned
for the three who were left behind, and those on the beach
conducted the first party which landed to their habitations.
On reaching them, they treated the sufferers with the greatest
humanity. In a little time the Indians returned with the
other three men who had been left behind.
Mr. Prenties and his companions being now safe, began to
think of the men left at the wreck. It was to be feared that
they had, before now, perished of hunger. On describing
where the place was to the Indiaijs, they replied they knew
it very well, but that it was a hundred miles off, through
difficult paths and over rivers and mountains. They said, if
they undertook the journey, they must have some compensa-
tion. Mr. Prenties told them he had some money, which he
now recollected his servant had preserved.
An agreement was then made that the Indians should
receive twenty-five guineas at setting out, and the same sum
on their return. On being paid down half the money three
of them set off on the next day. They returned with three
men from the wreck after a fortnight's absence; they were
the only survivors of eight left in the hut, and were in a most
wretched state of emaciation. Five were alive on the arrival
of the Indians, but one ate so much food at once that he died
in dreadful agonies a few hours afterwards, and another
304 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
accidentally shot himself with the gun of one of the Indians,
Thus, out of nineteen originally on board the ship, nine only
survived.
Mr. Prenties agreed to give the Indians forty-five pounds
to conduct him to Halifax, and find provisions at every in-
habited place on the road. Mr. Prenties, servant, Mr. Win-
shaw, a passenger, and two Indians, set out together for
Halifax. The remainder of the party were to be conducted
to Spanish Kiver, about fifty miles distant. Mr. Prenties
quitted the Indian wigwams on the 2nd of April, and, after
a tedious and harassing journey, reached Halifax on the 8th
of May, the Indians faithfully performing their engagement,
and receiving their stipulated pay. After being detained for
a passage two months at Halifax, Mr. Prenties at length
reached New York, and delivered his despatches to Sir Henry
Clinton. The rest of the crew and passengers were safely
conducted by the Indians to Spanish Eiver, and soon after-
wards reached Halifax.
Loss OF THE BANGALORE,
IN THE EAST INDIES.
The Bangalore, commanded by Captain Lynch, sailed from
the island of Amboyna, on the 3rd April, 1802, bound to
Bally Town, in the island of Lombock, and from thence to
Batavia, with a fair wind and moderate weather. At eight
o'clock on the night of the 12th they were then, by observation
taken that day at noon, in lat. 7 deg. 38 min. south, and long.
120 deg. 45 min. east, when unfortunately, the ship struck on
an unknown coral bank, which, when daylight appeared, they
found to extend about three miles in length from north tO'
south, and about two miles in breadth, the western part being
dry at low water, with a number of rocks upon it which bore
the appearance of proas under sail. Their first endeavour
was to get out the boats immediately; the small and best
bower-anchors were also carried astern, and the stream on the
bow to prevent the ship from forging more upon the rocks ;
and every exertion was used by the crew, as also by the
passengers, but all to no effect, the steepness of the bank being
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. 305
go much against her going off ; indeed, so abrupt and great
was it, that with a cable of about a hundred and twenty
fathoms out astern, it was only a long peak.
The ship continued striking very hard, notwithstanding
which she held out without making water until near midnight,
when she suddenly heeled off to the larboard side, and the
water was very soon up to between decks. They had previ-
ously thrown overboard a great quantity of lumber, and some
of the ballast, with a view to lighten the vessel and give her
a better chance of getting off, but all was to no purpose ; and
pumping and baleing ceased to be of any use, as when the ship
heeled off she was completely bilged on the larboard side.
Having now lost all hopes of saving the ship, the crew were
employed in getting out all the spars with which they intended
to construct a raft ; and, fortunately for them, a high swell
that was running at the time when the ship struck, was now
much gone down, and the sea considerably smoother, which
greatly facilitated their means of escape ; or otherwise in all
probability the greater part of them must have perished.
Captain Lynch, with his officers and passengers, stayed by the
wreck until the following day at half -past three in the after-
noon, when the raft being completely finished, sixty of the
crew, including servants and sepoys, under the command of
the second officer, got upon it. Captain Lynch went into the
pinnace, the chief officer into the jolly-boat ; and three Dutch
officers with their families, who were passengers for Batavia,
together with the gunner, one sea-cunny, eight Lascars, and
two sepoys, embarked in the long-boat ; and that being the
largest conveyance, and consequently having the most room,
they had with them provisions and water for the whole crew.
Thus arranged. Captain Lynch ordered the long-boat to tow
the raft, and the other two boats to tow the long-boat ; all
making for the nearest island, which was one that lay off
Mangeray.
The whole of the 13th and following day passed without
their being able to reach the island, as the winds were mostly
off the land, and a strong current running to the northward.
On the night of the 14th, the wind at the time blowing fresh,
the long-boat sprung a leak, which obliged her to cast off the
raft, and wait for daylight. In the morning, Captain Lynch
with the two small boats, being a long way from the long-boat,
made sail and stood towards her, when, to his great astonish-
ment and mortification, he observed the long-boat to make
306 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
sail and stand away to the eastward from the two small boats
when she soon ran out of sight. Captain Lynch was ever
since completely at a loss to account for the conduct of the
gunner, who had charge of the long-boat ; and though there
were various conjectures made by different persons, he never
had any reason to suspect him of dishonesty.
Being left in this miserable situation, Captain Lynch could
not go to the assistance of the raft, as he had neither provi-
sions nor water, and the people on the raft were in the same
situation ; but as the second-mate, Mr. Komney, had charge
of the raft, and as the current was then setting to the north-
ward, Captain Lynch confidently hoped that, with the sail set
and running before the wind, it would soon be able to reach
Seleyer, or one of the islands near, where they would meet
with proas to conduct them to Macassar or Malacca. Captain
Lynch then took the jolly-boat, in which were Mr. Nashbar,
the chief officer, and Mr. Joseph Ferrao, a passenger, with
eight of the crew in tow ; himself with Mr. Anthony Laker-
steen, a passenger, and nine more of the crew being in the
pinnace ; in all twenty-one persons. Their great object was
to regain the island, that being the nearest land, but theii
endeavours were ineffectual, during the whole of the 16 th ;
and the wind, then blowing fresh from the southward, they
made sail and stood away to the E.S.E., and soon reached
Mangeray.
About midnight they landed in search of fresh water, but
could not find any, they therefore contented themselves with
pulling and sailing along the shore, and at four in the morning
landed and found some water, which was a great relief to all
of them, as they had but a small quantity of biscuit, one of
which was served every day to each person ; and this was all
the subsistence they had until the 20th, and all the time
employed in pulling and sailing along the coast of Mangeray,
landing at times for an hour or two in places where they saw
no inhabitants, in order to give the people a rest and the
tamarind tree growing wild, and in great plenty, the fruit of
it greatly contributed to their support.
On the 20th of April, still standing along the coast of Man-
geray, they saw a Macassar proa on shore, and stood for her.
At four p.m.. Captain Lynch, from his knowledge of the nature
and dispositions of the people on the coast, did not think it
prudent to discover their distress to the people in the proa ;
he therefore ordered the chief officer to approach first and
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. SOT
inquire the name of the place, and also to find out what force
the proa had. The small boat returned in a quarter of an
hour, bringing the intelligence that there were only ten or
twelve men on board the proa, and those unarmed.
Captain Lynch then with the other boat approached, and
informed the nacodah of the proa of their having been cast
away, and in the utmost distress for want of water and provi-
sions. The nacodah pointed out a small river, where he said
fresh water was to be had ; to which Captain Lynch proceeded
without delay, and got a sufficient quantity to last for three
or four days. Whilst getting the water, the nacodah informed
Captain Lynch that the inhabitants of Mangeray were an in-
offensive people ; and that those of an island in the offing,
about three leagues distant, were pirates, and not to be
trusted ; the truth of which, Captain Lynch had much reason
to doubt ; and soon after seeing a proa pulling from the island
towards them, he thought it most prudent not to put any trust
or confidence in either of the reports, but to make the best of
their way off. At sun-set of the same day. Captain Lynch,
to his great surprise, saw that the proa they had spoken to
had got under weigh, and was fast coming up with them, from
which Captain Lynch concluded that she was chasing them,
to take advantage of their distressed situation, and to plunder
them of some clothes and trifling articles that they had in
the boats.
The nacodah of this proa had refused a hundred dollars,
which Captain Lynch had promised him, if he would carry
them to Bally Town, on the Island of Lombock ; the rajah of
which place was a good friend to the English, and to whom
Captain Lynch had a letter from the governor of Amboyna,
with various presents sent out by the court of Directors for
him ; all of which were lost in the ship : but as Captain Lynch
had saved the letter, he felt satisfied, that if he, his crew, and
passengers were so lucky as to reach that town, they would
be well treated, and from thence be able to procure a convey-
ance to some Dutch settlement on the Island of Java, or to
Malacca, the Bally Town people being great traders to the
westward. The proa continued astern, but kept sailing and
pulling until four o'clock of the ensuing morning, when, with
a great deal of labour and exertion, the boats pulling out of
sight of her.
The 21st and 22nd, still pulling and sailing along the Man-
geray shore, they stopped at an island, where one of the
308 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Lascars gathered a kind of bean, which was unknown to any
of the other people ; but the Lascar said he was well ac-
quainted with it ; that there was plenty of the same kind in
England, where he had seen them. All hands, therefore,
partook of this bean ; some eating it raw, and others boiled.
They stayed at this place about two hours, and collected a
good sea-stock of this new discovery ; but scarcely had they
re-embarked, and begun to work at the oars, than all hands,
except four or five, were taken violently ill with a griping
and vomiting, as if they had taken a strong emetic. This
misfortune could not be remedied, as Captain Lynch had not
medicines of any kind in the boats, nor any description of
food likely to relieve the sufferers, whose situation became so
distressing, that very little progress was made in the course
of this day.
On the 23rd, they continued advancing very slowly along
the coast of Mangeray, the people dropping down through
hunger and fatigue, when they happily got sight of a fine
cultivated bay, and a beautiful town in the Malay taste.
Captain Lynch flattered himself that he should procure some
provisions, as this was the tenth day that they had not tasted
a grain of rice, and the fourth since their allowance of one
biscuit a man for the twenty-four hours was over, being all
expended. The boats approached the shore by degrees, with
a white flag in each, which is a token of friendship used on
all occasions by the Malays. A canoe put off from the beach
and coming to the boats, asked them where they came from.
Captain Lynch thought it prudent not to tell the destitute
state they were in, and therefore said the boats belonged to
two English ships that were in the offing, and that they were
in search of a watering-place and provisions ; that if the rajah
would be kind enough to assist the English, they would be
the rajah's friends. The people in the canoe desired the boats
to come to an anchor some distance from the shore, and that
they would bring the rajah's answer immediately.
The canoe returned in a quarter of an hour with the rajah's
compliments, that he would be happy to see the ships come
to his port, and that there was plenty of provision and a good
river for them to water. At this time two or three canoes,
with three or four men in each, brought a couple of small
bags of rice and some Indian corn, with cocoa-nuts and jagry,
which were immediately purchased. The people in the canoes
seeing a couple of trunks in the boats and a bag or two of
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. 309
clothes, were very particular in their inquiries what they
contained, and were told " clothes." Captain Lynch then dis-
patching the canoes, both boats made sail, which the rajah
observing, and having been informed by the canoe's people
that the boats had property in them, he came down to the
beach, walking towards the west point of the bay, about five
or six miles distant, with a train of about fifty men attending
him, the rajah and five or six others being on horseback. One
or two canoes followed the boats with plantains and Indian
corn, which were also purchased, and the canoes were dis-
patched. The sea-breeze blowing fresh, it was with difficulty
the boats rowed out to the westernmost point of the bay.
The rajah, after he came to this point, dispatched another
small canoe with his compliments, and that he would be glad
to speak to the officer in the boat ; but Captain Lynch sus-
pecting treachery, thanked him for his civility, and said, as
it was late in the evening, he was in great haste to pull to
the ship ; but the rajah would see the ships in the morning.
The rajah not being satisfied with this answer, sent a second
message to the same purport ; to which Captain Lynch excused
himself in the same way as before. At this time a fast-sailing
proa appeared coming from the town to the place where the
rajah was ; and Captain Lynch perceiving they were manning
this proa with a great number of people, and preparing to
make more sail, and the boats' crews being greatly relieved
from their hunger by the supply of the provisions they had
obtained, they soon rowed the boats out of sight of the rajah,
and escaped his treachery.
During the night of the 23rd they pulled a long way, and at
sun-rise reached a fine sandy bay, where they found a small
rivulet, and here they cooked their rice. All hands eat heartily,
and took a couple of hours' rest : from thence they set out
quite fresh and in the night of the 24th they crossed the straits
of Mangerary, and at daylight of the 25th arrived at the island
of Comodo, where they dressed and eat another meal. At ten
in the morning they crossed the straits of Sappy, and towards
noon came up with Gonong Appy,.or the Burning Island, with
a fine breeze at S.E. In the afternoon the tide changing, and
being against the wind, caused a very high breaking sea, and
both boats were in extreme danger of foundering. At this
time a proa from the offing crossed ahead of the boats, and
after standing some way in shore, wore round, stood after the
boats, and came up very fast. Captain Lynch being certain
310 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
that this was a pirate, consulted the best mode of resistance.
Out of a dozen muskets they had in the boats, only three were
fit for service, the others being rendered totally useless by salt
water. Captain Lynch kept the boats before the wind, stand-
ing between Gonong Appy and the island Sumbawa, with a
very high sea, which put them in imminent danger of broach-
ing-to or filling.
The proa that stood after them, now came up very near ;
and they observed that they had four or five, brass swivels,.
which the Malays on board kept slueing about aiming them
at the boats. Captain Lynch waited until the proa was
within fifty yards, when he hauled upon a wind, with an
intention to board the proa if they attempted to fire, and
hailed to know what they meant; upon which they in-
quired where the boats came from, and where their ships
were. Captain Lynch answered, their ships were in the ofi&ng,.
and the boats were in search of an anchoring-place, recom-
mending the proa not to come too near, as most probably they
would find their mistake. The proa thereupon hauled her
wind, and stood in shore; but in less than two hours they again
stood after the boats. It still blowing fresh. Captain Lynch
kept the boats to windward against a head sea, and by that
means again escaped falling into the hands of those barbarians.
The 26th was employed in pulling and sailing along the
island Sumbawa, landing once in the twenty-four hours, where
they saw no inhabitants, to cook rice. The 27th, still pulling
along the Sumbawa shore, they saw several inhabited places,
and some large towns, but which were totally deserted : they
also saw buffaloes, bullocks, and horses in abundance, all
appearing to be tame, but would not venture to kill any, for
fear the pirates might be still hovering about the place. In
the afternoon, a proa hove in sight, but seemed to be afraid of
the boats and soon after ran in shore, and the crew landed.
Captain Lynch pulled by the proa, and towards evening
touched at about two miles distance from where the proa lay,
at a small river. The boats' crews here collected some
tamarinds, and got two or three days' water, having only rice
remaining for one meal more; and at sun-set all hands returned
to the boats to take some rest. About seven in the evening.
Captain Lynch saw something very black close to the boats,
shoving with poles. The people immediately got their little
grapnel up, and prepared their oars, when the very proa that-
had avoided them in day light, now came to attempt to cuti^
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. 311
them off in the dark. Upon discovering the boats going off,
she hailed, and made use of the following words : — " come,
brothers, come, let us speak like good people ; we are all good
men here." Captain Lynch answered, that they could have
nothing good to speak about at night, when they avoided
them in the day. The boats then took to their oars, and
thus they escaped the fourth time.
On the 28th, they were approaching towards the western
extremity of Sumbawa, and passed the town of that naino,
where they saw a number of proas, but none came near. In
the course of the night they crossed the straits of Alias, met
with strong ripplings, and a heavy sea, all of which they passed
safely, but without any rest. In the morning they arrived
on the east side of the island Lombock, every one in the boats
feeling comfort in the thought of being so near Bally Town,
where they expected their toils and dangers would cease : at
this time they had neither rice nor water ; and being near
Kocky Point, in the straits of Alias, the tide being against
them, they went on shore to seek for water, and got some but
very bad. A small canoe coming up, they bought a couple
of small bags of rice, one of which they cooked, and got a
comfortable meal with some chilies and tamarinds.
The 29th, at ten in the morning, they left Eocky Point,
and were pulHng towards Bally Town, then about twenty-five
miles distant, when the above-mentioned canoe left them ;
and, as they supposed, must have informed a piratical proa,
that lay a couple of miles farther ahead, but in shore, of the
situation of the boats ; for, after rounding Eocky Point, they
saw a small proa coming right before the wind, and steering
for the boats ; and as soon as she came near, they lowered
their sail down, took to their paddles, and quickly came
abreast. The boats, however, continued pulling, not taking
any notice of the proa, in which they saw five men, who
appeared to be well-dressed, and all of them had creases by
their sides ; they were very inquisitive in asking what ships^
boats they were, and where the ships were.
Captain Lynch answered, as he had the others, that the ship&
were in the offing, and that the boats were going to Bally Town,
to get stock for them. The nacodah in the proa endeavoured
to persuade Captain Lynch, that the rajah's town of Lombock
was a very dangerous place for the boats to go to : and th&
people there were very bad ; that they would kill all bands,
and that it would be better to come alongside his proa, where
812 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
he had rice, and everything that the boat might want : in
the meantime recommending them not to pull out to the offing,
but to come in shore. To all this no attention was paid ; and
when they saw the boats persisted in keeping off shore, and
deeming the force they had in the proa too weak in number
to attack the boats, they pulled away as fast as they could,
so that they might get in time to capture the boats with their
large proa, before they could get to windward.
Captain Lynch kept cheering the people to pull to wind-
ward, but to little effect. The large proa was now under
weigh, close hauled, and standing after the boats, and was
coming up very fast, although the boats had their sails up,
and pulling at the same time with all their strength, to escape
being butchered or made slaves of by these ferocious people.
No hopes remained of escaping, as the proa was now within
musket-shot ; and in less than a quarter of an hour, she was
abreast, and to windward, bearing down upon the boats,
apparently with an intention to run them down; the Malays
all standing up with their lances in their hands, ready to
heave, and desiring the boats to lower their sails down ; upon
which Captain Lynch stood up, with his musket and a
pistol, and pointed them at the chief man of the proa, who
was standing alone ; all the people in the boats, at the same
time rising, some with cutlasses, and others with lances in
their hands. This determined conduct threw the Malays
into such confusion, that every one in the proa, even the
man at the helm, fell down ; and hid themselves, crying out,
that they were good people, and come to save them. Captain
Lynch answered, how could they call themselves good people,
when they showed themselves so much the contrary ? Their
dread of the muskets appeared so great, that the proa was
very near upsetting in the confusion.
A small canoe was then despatched on shore by the pirate,
for the purpose, as Captain Lynch supposed, of getting a
reinforcement ; and probably some of her crew had been left
on shore, as the pirate had not more than ten or twelve men
on board, and their complement generally exceeds thirty.
The boats continued working to windward, as well as the
proa ; but the boats had greatly the advantage, by tacking,
when the proa was wearing : and by the time the proa
received a supply of men from the shore, the boats were well
to windward, and the pirate gave up aU hope of attacking.
The boats stood in shore, and came to anchor at sunset, being
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. 313
about ten miles distant from Bally Town. Captain Lynch
kept close in shore, the wind and tide being against him.
Crowds of people came towards the boats, inviting the people
of them to come on shore, and saying the rajah of Bally
Town was there. However, Captain Lynch told them it was
night, that he could not think of coming on shore till the
morning, and then he would see the rajah, and deliver a
letter which he had from the governor of Amboyna.
The people on shore still kept calling out, and encouraging
them with kind words ; but Captain Lynch suspecting some
treachery, or that some evil might yet befal them before they
could reach Bally Town, the last proa that had chased them
being only five or six miles distant, the people of which must
well know that the wind and tide were against the boats, and
how easy it would be for them to come in small canoes, while
the boats lay at anchor, and endeavour to surprise and cut
them off ; he therefore represented to the passengers and the
boats' crews, that in his opinion, the best thing that could be
done, would be to try to get clear of the straits in the course
of the night, the wind and tide being favourable for that
purpose, and to make the best of their way for Java, as that
was a country where they would meet with relief and
assistance.
To this all hands readily agreed, except an European
Portuguese sea-cunny, who seemed to be greatly alarmed
with the apprehension of being starved to death, as they
had only rice and water for one meal. Captain Lynch
thereupon offered to land this man, if he chose it. He, how-
ever, preferred staying on board to share his fate with the
rest, rather than run the risk of being sold as a slave. By
twelve at night the boats were clear of the straits of Alias,
and stood along the north side of the island of Lombock the
whole of the 30th ; where seeing a small river, and no appear-
ance of inhabitants, they landed, and dressed all the rice that
was left, and got a supply of water sufficient for three days.
On the 1st of May, while standing along the Lombock
shore, they, at daylight, saw a small bay, with a few houses,
and pulling in shore, they inquired of the inhabitants if they
had any rice for sale. Fortunately they seemed to be very
friendly : they invited the boats to come on shore, and said
they would sell the people rice. However, Captain Lynch
did not choose to put too much confidence in their professions
of kindness, and therefore made his people rest on their oars.
514 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
sending a couple of men only to bargain and purchase pro-
visions. Here they were so fortunate as to obtain eleven small
bags of rice; some salt and a little tobacco was also purchased ;
all which were a very great acquisition; and having got plenty
of water in the boats, they hoped they should have no more oc-
casion to land, as, by so doing, they always exposed themselves
to the treachery of the natives. They had a small place pre-
pared in the boats to cook, and, by comparison with what had
preceded, enjoyed a luxurious meal. In the evening they
crossed the straits of Lombock, and experienced very heavy
ripplings, which caused a great and breaking sea. Both boats
underwent the same risk and distress as they had encountered
in the other straits ; but, happily, on the morning of the 2nd,
they reached the island of Bally, and once more got into
smooth water.
On the 2nd of May, they continued pulling and sailing along
the island of Bally, where they saw many towns, and the
land appeared to be well cultivated, with cattle of various
-descriptions. On the morning of the 3rd, a large proa that
lay in the roads of a large town which they passed, sent a
<janoe to invite the boats on shore, which was declined im-
mediately ; after which, a large proa set sail and chased the
boats, pulling and sailing the whole of this day ; but night
coming on, they fortunately escaped, and had the good luck
to get across the straits of Bally during the night ; and in
the morning they were up with Cape Sandana, on the island
of Java, when all fear from pirates being over, the boat's
crew pulled cheerily along the Java shore.
On the 4th of May they passed Pamanoekan, a small settle-
ment of the Dutch, and Passockie, a large Javanese town,
where they saw several proas, but none of them came near
the boats.
The following day they continued making the best of their
way towards Passeerwang.
On the 6th of May, all the water in the boats being ex-
pended, they were obliged to touch at a place called Kalie,
about five leagues to the eastward of Passeerwang ; and sent
some people on shore to fetch water and provisions, and to
inform the chief man of the town, that they were two English
boats, going to the Dutch fort of Passeerwang. The people
soon returned with water, and some broiled fish and Indian
corn, all which proved very acceptable, and which Captain
Lynch divided amongst all hands. Whilst waiting here, the
LOSS OF THE BANGALORE. 315
boats grounded on a long flat that runs a good way out, and
Captain Lynch being anxious to reach Passeerwang, as they
would there meet with Europeans, from whom they might
expect every kind of relief, he employed the people this day,
being the 25th of their sufferings in the boats, in shoving
them over the flat, during which one of the Lascars went off,
and concealed himself on shore. The Javanese were
immediately alarmed, conceiving that this man might be a
spy : they, therefore, immediately collected in a body, and
between four and five hundred men ran into the water to
attack the boats, and to take the crews of them prisoners.
As Captain Lynch well knew that resistance would not be
the means of remedying their distress, he went himself from
the boats to meet this mob, who were armed with all sorts of
weapons. Captain Lynch holding in his hand the governor of
Batavia's letter. They, however, seized him and all the people
in the two boats, and forcibly carried them on shore. Captain
Lynch had previously and strongly recommended that no
sort of resistance might be made by the crews and passengers
against the natives ; and had a single musket or a pistol been
discharged, in all probability not one of the people would
have escaped from the rage of this savage mob.
Upon Captain Lynch and his people being thus landed, they
were conducted to the house of the principal man, where
every attention was paid them, and they were abundantly
supplied with all sorts of provisions and beds ; and a strong
guard was put over the boats, that nothing might be lost or
taken away. A despatch was also sent by the chief, by land,
to the governor of Passeerwang, informing him of all that had
passed ; which information having reached the said governor,
and he further learning that the boats and people had be-
longed to the Bangalore that had been cast away, he sent his
son-in-law and a doctor, with a carriage, to escort the gentle-
men by land, and a couple of proas were sent to bring the
boats by sea to Passeerwang. The two Dutch gentlemen
made very particular inquiries of Captain Lynch, how the
head man of the place they were at had behaved, and whether
there was any cause of complaint.
About six in the morning of the 8th of May, the Dutch
gentlemen accompanied Captain Lynch and his passengers to
the carriage, and then each of them mounted on horse-back,
before the carriage, until they reached a sugar-manufactory
belonging to the governor, where an excellent breakfast was
316 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
provided ; after which they again got into the carriage, and
travelled through a very fine country, having a good road and
beautifully-cultivated lands on both sides of it. At noon of
the same day, they arrived at Passeerwang, where they were
received by the governor, and all the gentlemen of the settle-
ment, with the utmost kindness and attention ; all expressing
their concern for the great sufferings they had undergone, and
the losses they had sustained. Eooms were ordered to be got
ready in the government-house, each having one to himself \
and every possible civility was shown by the governor and
his family. The boats' crews on their arrival, were also amply
supplied with provisions of all kinds, and a house allotted for
them. Letters were immediately despatched to Batavia and
Sourabaya, giving an account of the loss of the ship, and
requesting the governor of Sourabaya to send conveyances, by
land, for Captain Lynch and his passengers, as they were
anxious to get away as fast as possible.
On the 9th of May, the governor of Passeerwang received
a letter from Sourabaya, requesting that he would despatch
his carriage half-way, and the governor of Sourabaya would
send his, the other half, to convey the shipwrecked people in ;
and that he, the governor of Sourabaya, would be very happy
to see them, and to render all the assistance that lay in his
power.
During the three days that Captain Lynch, and one of his
ofhcers, Mr, Farrao and Mr. Lakersteen, passengers, stayed at
this place, words cannot express what obligations they were
under to this good man and his family ; their clothes were
washed for nothing, abundance of victuals provided for the
boats' crews, and a proa was also procured to carry the crews
and the boats to Sourabaya, without any charge whatsoever.
The different rajahs or timengons, paid them visits, and enter-
tainments were made in consequence ; and all places worthy
of notice, gardens, walks, &c., were shown by the governor in
person.
On the 10th of May, at six in the morning, everything
having been provided the night before. Captain Lynch, his
officers, and passengers, took their grateful leave of this most
worthy governor and his family. All the gentlemen of the
garrison, attended at their leaving the place ; and they were
conducted by two sea-captains of the Dutch company, named
De Grout and Bodwyn, to Sourabaya, a distance of fifty-six
miles, travelling in carriages, and changing their horses in
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 317
every town they came to, at which all sorts of victuals were
prepared by the natives to entertain the English as they
At a quarter before twelve o'clock on the 10th of May, they
arrived at Sourabaya, where the same attention was paid them ;
lodgings were provided, and victuals for the boats' crews, free
of all expense, every day. The gentlemen were invited to
the governor's table, and a passage procured for them to
Samarang, in a ketch belonging to Mr. de Vris.
On the 17th, the ketch arrived at Samarang, where Captain
Lynch and his companions were carried to Governor Ingle-
hard. Lodgings were provided for all, and every necessary
article, as well as an ample sea-stock put on board, to last
them to Batavia. Here they stayed two days ; and on the
18th of May, in the evening, taking leave of Governor Ligle-
hard, they embarked for Batavia.
Loss OF The Duke William
ON THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
The Duke William having been ordered to Cork, under convoy
of the York man of war, Captain Hugh Piggot, to take in
soldiers for America, lost the man of war and the other ships
by means of a fog, which thickened just as they came near
the Irish coast. Captain Nicholls stood in as near as prudence
would permit him. As the man of war had shortened sail in
the fog, he was the longer in standing in, and just as he came
near the land it cleared up, and the wind blew off the land,
so that Captain NichoUs was a long way to leeward.
In the morning, as soon as he saw the man of war and the
fleet to windward, he made all sail the ship could carry ; and,
as he went very fast, just as the man of war had goc his pilot
on board, the Duke William had gained so much, that the
pilot-boat came directly to her, and put a pilot on board ;
but the flood-tide being come away, Captain Nicholls could
not weather Powerhead, — the entrance of the harbour.
On a succeeding night it blew so hard, the transport was
driven as far as Bellerotten Island ; and the wind still con-
21
318 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
tinuing high, the next day Captain NichoUs was obliged to
bear away for Waterford. When they came off Credenhead,
the captain fired several guns for a pilot ; but none coming
off, and not being acquainted with the harbour, they brought
the ship up, though the sea was very high. At last a pilot-
boat came off, and they took an old man out of her. The
boat went on shore immediately. They went to work to get
the anchor, and got it just a-peak, when the vial broke, and
she ran away with all the cable before they could prevent it ;
and by the time they could heave it again, and get the ship
under sail, it was almost dark. The pilot assured the captain,
that if he would follow his directions he would carry the ship
in safely. The captain ran under the fore-top-sail treble-
reefed, and got a range of the sheet cable over-hauled. They
ran for some time, and could just see the land.
Captain Nicholls asked the pilot several times if he should
bring the ship up ; but he said, " No," till he found the water
shoaling very fast. The captain then made all clear to bring
up; but at the same time asked the pilot which was the
deepest water, who confessed he did not know. Captain
Nicholls then brought up, and when daylight appeard, to his
great surprise, he found high rocks astern of him, and so very
near, that it was impossible to veer awav a cable. They had
let the sheet anchor go in the night, and as they had wore
away the best bower, that it might beat likewise, it was
providentially the means of their preservation.
They now got down yards and top-masts, hoisted the signal
of distress, and fired a great many guns. At last they saw a
boat coming from the windward. As soon as the boat came
near enough, they hove a rope to those who were in it, and
wore the boat clear of the counter. A man in the boat now
offered the captain to come on board for 50/. to which he
readily assented. Accordingly, he came up to the stern ladder;
but as soon as he found they were so near the rocks, he
declared for all the ship was worth he would not stay on
board. The captain told him he came off as a pilot acquainted
with the harbour, and therefore he should stay. Hereupon
Captain Nicholls called to the people to hoist their sails, and
immediately proceded to cut the boat adrift. The pilot ap-
peared in the greatest confusion ; but the captain told him it
was in vain to complain, and that if he thought, by cutting
or slipping the cable, he could carry the ship in a place of
safety, he was ready to do it The man assured the captain
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 319
he could not take charge of the vessel, nor could he venture
to carry her in, for he was afraid she would be on shore and
all to pieces against the rocks before she could veer ; and if
she did veer, there had been a large French East Indiaman
lost upon the bar, which made the channel very narrow, and
he did not know the marks to carry her clear of the wreck.
The ship rode very hard ; and it being Sunday, there was
a great number of people ready to plunder her should she
strike. As she pitched so much, the captain was apprehensive
that at low water she would strike. There were two English
frigates in the harbour, which, as soon as the weather became
more moderate, sent their boats to assist them. The custom-
house smack also came to their aid, and put his mate on board
as a pilot ; and being a man well acquainted with the harbour,
he confessed the vessel had beeu in great danger.
They lay there three weeks before they could get out to
proceed for Cork. They got off Cork in the evening, and it
being fine weather came immediately to anchor. On the
succeeding morning, the York, with the transports, came out,
and put the soldiers on board the Duke William.
They sailed the day after, and saw two ships, the America,
of 64 guns, and a frigate, cruising off Cape Clear. Upon the
York's making a signal for the Duke William to come between
them, they stood directly towards them ; but through a mis-
take of the helm, the York ran on board the America, the
sprit-sail taking her main-shrouds, and the bowsprit carrying
all her weather-shrouds away. Before she could get clear,
she had her main-mast pulled away, with the fore-top-mast
and mizen-top-mast, having nothing left but the fore-sail,
though the moment before she had three top-gallant-sails set
and every stay-sail. The York got a little damage in her head.
The Duke William having proceeded to Halifax arrived
there safe; and from thence went to besiege Louisbourg.
After they had landed the troops, the transports and some of
the men of war went into Garbours Bay. The crew of the
Duke William being at this time very sickly, Captain Nicholls
petitioned Admiral Boscawen to let him have a small penin-
sula, to put them on shore, and they would defend it, which
he granted. Accordingly, all the masters of the transports
armed themselves and people, and went on shore together,
where Captain James Wilson was appointed their general, C.
Price, Benj. Suggel, Saml. Henry, and Nieholls, captains,
each having a lieutenant under him.
320 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Captain Nicholls having fixed upon a convenient place in
the island for an arbour to shelter himself and people, sent for
a dozen men and the carpenter, by whose labour a commodi-
ous habitation was formed, and the sick speedily recovered.
On the reduction of Louisbourg, the island of St. John, in
the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, fell by capitulation,
and the inhabitants were to be sent to old France. Lord EoUo
with a large party were sent on board the transports, which
were ordered thither for that purpose. The transports were
nine in number, of which the Duke William was one. They
proceeded under convoy of the Hind sloop of war. Captain
Bond, but meeting with contrary winds and bad weather, had
a long passage.
Having brought the fleet up off a cape called St. Louis,
nine leagues distant from the Gut of Canso ; and it blowing
strong in the night, the Duke William's cable parted. In
the morning the man of war made a signal to bear away to
the Gut again. Captain Mcholls, however, resolved to stay,
and endeavour to recover his anchor and cable. The ships all
left the Duke William riding, and the next day the weather
became fine. They weighed, and dropped the ship at the
buoy, and unbent him; took the buoy-rope in the hawser,
and hove the anchor up ; but by the time they got the anchor
into the bows, it came on very bad weather ; wind, hail, and
rain, with terrible claps of thunder and severe lightning. A
long winter's night was approaching, and as they were on an
unknown coast (for their drafts were very erroneous) their
situation was extremely unpleasant. The fleet were much
afraid that some misfortune had befallen them, for though
the weather was very bad with them, it was not so severe as
with the Duke William.
Captain Bond in the morning made a signal for all masters
of transports, and desired they would man their boats, as he
thought he had heard several guns fired in the night, which
he supposed to be signals of distress from the Duke William,
which, he apprehended, was driven on shore, and the crew
consequently attacked by the Indians. Accordingly, when
their boats were manned, they were desired to row as far as
it was prudent to venture. As the weather was still bad, and
they could see nothing of Captain Nicholl's vessel, they
returned, giving her up as lost.
In the interim, the captain kept the ship under a pair of
courses, and in the morning bore away ; but it coming on very
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 321
dark he was obliged to lie to ; and as it did not clear till late
in the afternoon, he had a narrow escape in getting in, the
Gut being very narrow, and, in consequence of the trees, very
difficult to find. They shortly after sailed out of the Gut,
and got to St. John's. In the passage, Captain S. Hurry, in
the Yarmouth, was run ashore by the ignorance of his pilot,
and was near being lost, but fortunately his ship got off,
without any damage.
A large party of soldiers having been ordered up the country
to bring the inhabitants down on board the different trans-
ports, as the Duke William was the largest used, the mis-
sionary priest (who was the head man of the country), with
the principle inhabitants, were ordered by the Lord Eollo, to
go to France with Captain Nicholls. On his arrival, he
requested the favour, that the people might come on board to
mass, and to be married. Captain Nicholls told him he had
no objection, on condition that he had a fee of every bride.
Being asked what he demanded as a fee, the captain replied
— the first kiss after she was married. The priest being a
facetious man complied ; and they had a great many marri-
ages, as a notion prevailed among the crew, that all single
men would be made soldiers.
Having got a great abundance of stock, they all sailed from
St. John's together ; Captain Wilson, with Lord Eollo, and
some soldiers on board, and Captain Moore with soldiers,
under convoy of the Hind. Captain Moore's vessel was lost
going through the Gut, by striking on a rock under water,
and the soldiers were put on board Captain Wilson, bound to
Louisbourg. Captain Moore, his son, mate, and carpenter,
took their passage in the Duke William.
As the wind was contrary, they lay in the Gut of Canso
some time. The French used frequently to go on shore, and
remain there all night, making fires in the wood to keep
themselves warm. Some of them desired that they might be
allowed muskets to shoot game, as they were not afraid of
meeting with the Indians, which Captain Nicholls granted.
About three hours after they were gone, one of them came
running, and begged that the captain with his people would
go immediately on board, as they had met with a party of
Indians who were coming down to scalp them. Accordingly,
Captain Nicholls, with the other masters and sailors, went off
and had but just got on board before the Indians came down;
but, finding only Frenchmen, they went away directly.
322 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
November 25th, they sailed out of the Bay of Canso, with
a strong gale at N.W., Captains Nicholls, Henry, Beaton,
Dobson. Sugget, Whitby, and Kelsy, agreed to make the best
of their way to France with the people, and not to go to
Louisbourg, as it was a very bad time of the year to beat
upon that coast. Captain Nicholls was appointed to lead
the fleet. They took leave of the agent, who was bound to
Louisbourg.
The third day after they had been at sea, it blew a storm in
the night, being thick with sleet, and very dark. The trans-
port parted company with three ships of the fleet. The storm
still continuing, in a day or two she parted with the rest. The
Duke William continued in very good order, and though the
sea ran mountains high, went over it like a bird, and made no
water.
On the 10th of December they saw a sail, which proved to
be the Violet, Capt. Sugget. On coming up, Capt Nicholls
inquired how all on board were ; he replied, in a terrible situ-
ation, they had a great deal of water in the ship, her pumps
were choked and he was much afraid that she would sink before
morning. Captain Nicholls begged of him to keep up his
spirits, and he would, if it were possible, stay by him, and
spare him a pump, which he got out of the Parnassus. He
also told him, that as the gale had lasted so long he was in
hopes that it would moderate after twelve o'clock ; but, un-
fortunately, it rather increased.
At changing the watch at twelve, Captain Nicholls found
that they went fast a-head of the Violet, and that, before
morning, if they did not shorten sail they would run her out
of sight. While scudding under the fore-sail and treble-reefed
main-sail, he consulted with Captain Moore and their mate,
what was best to be done ; and it was unanimously considered
necessary that the main-top-sail should be taken in, as the
only way to save their lives was by keeping them company
till the weather should moderate. Accordingly they took in
the main-top-sail, and got their three pumps ready in case of
necessity. They had forced the spare pump down the after
hatch-way, and shipped into an empty butt, of which the
French had brought several on board for the purpose of
washing. They aired them with spun yard, to bail in case
of need. They now thought that the Violet gained on them ;
and at four o'clock, to their great satisfaction, they saw her
very plainly.
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 323
On changing the watch, they found the Duke William still
very tight and going well, the carpenter assuring the captain
there was no water to strike a pump. Being very tired with
walking the deck so long, Captain Nicholls thought he might
go down and indulge himself with a pipe of tobacco ; he told
the mate to acquaint him immediately should there be any
alteration. They had driven the board next the lower part
of the pump to see how much water was in the well ; and
every half hour, when the ball was struck, the carpenter went
down. As he had yet found no water, Captain Mcholls
entertained no apprehensions of the safety of the Duke
William ; he was only concerned at present for the Violet.
Soon after the captain had filled and lighted his pipe, while
sitting in the state room, he was thrown from the chair by a
blow which the ship received from a terrible sea. He sent
the boy to ask the mate (Mr. Fox) whether anything was
washed over. The mate sent word that all was safe, and that
he saw the Violet coming up fast
Being still very much fatigued, the captain thought he
would try to get a little sleep to refresh himself ; and without
pulling off his clothes, he threw himself on the side of the
bed. Before he had closed his eyes, Mr. Fox came and told
him that the carpenter had found the water above the keelson,
and that the ship must certainly have sprung a leak. The
captain immediately arose and took the carpenter with him
into the hold, and, to his great surprise found the water roaring
in dreadfully. On examination, he found it was a butt started,
and the more they endeavoured to press anything to stop it,
the more the plank forsook the timber. They then went on
deck to encourage the people at the pumps. Captain NichoUs
had made a mark with a piece of chalk to see how the water
gained upon them. Finding their case desperate, he went
to all the Frenchmen's cabins and begged of them to rise :
telling them, that though their lives were not in danger, their
help at the pumps was highly essential. They immediately
got up, and cheerfully assisted.
By this time it was daylight, when, to their great surprise
and concern, they saw the Violet on her broadside, a little
distance from them ; and the fore-yard broken in the slings
the fore-top-sail set, and her crew endeavouring to free her
of the mizen-mast, as it appeared she had just then broached
to, by the fore-yards giving way. It came on a most violent
squall for ten minutes, and when it cleared up, they found.
324 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to their gresit and deep concern, that the poor unfortunate
Violet, with near four hundred souls, was gone to the bottom.
This fatal disaster shocked even the stoutest on board the
Duke William ; especially as a similar fate was now threaten-
ing them.
All the tubs before mentioned, were now got together and
made gangways, the Frenchmen and women, who behaved
with uncommon resolution, assisting. They then opened all
the hatches, and as the water flowed fast into the hold, they
filled the tubs and hauled them up, and turned them over
the combings on the upper deck, which, with three pumps
constantly at work, and baling out of the gun-room scuttle,
must have vented a large quantity of water. A seam would
not have hurt them, but a butt's end was more than they
could manage ; however, every method was tried which was
thought of service. They quilted the sprit-sail with oakum
and flax, with one of the top-gallant-sails in the same manner,
to see whether anything would suck into the leak to stop it,
but all in vain.
They continued in this dismal situation three days; the
ship, notwithstanding their endeavours, full of water, and
expected every minute to sink. The captain had given all
the liquor that was left on board to the people, and all the
provisions ; the hold being full of water, and the ship swim-
ming only by the decks being buoyed up with empty casks.
About six o'clock on the fourth morning, the people came
to the captain and declared they had done all in their power ;
that the vessel was full of water ; and that it was in vain to
pump any more. The captain told them he was convinced
that what they said was too true, and complimented them
upon their attention and exertion. He then acquainted the
priest with their situation, assuring him that every method
for saving the ship and the lives of the people had been
resorted to in vain, and that they expected the decks would
blow up every moment. The priest appeared confused ; but
immediately went to give his people absolution; and a
melancholy scene ensued. Strong, hearty, and healthy men,
looking at each other, with tears in their eyes, bewailing their
unhappy condition, and preparing for death.
Captain Nicholls now walked upon the deck with Captain
Moore, desiring him to think, if he could, of some expedient
to avert their destruction. Captain Moore, with tears in his
eyes, confessed that he knew of no method. Captain NichoUs
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 325
proposed hoisting out the boats, that in case a ship should
appear, they might save their lives, as the gale was more
moderate. Captain Moore thought it would be impossible,
as everyone would endeavour to get into them. The former
captain, however, called his mates, carpenters, and men, and
proposed getting their boats out, at the same time acquainting
them that it was to save if possible, every soul on board, and
that in case any person was to be so rash as to insist upon
going into the boats, besides those who he should think proper,
he would immediately punish such person. They all solemnly
declared that his commands should be as implicitly obeyed
as if the ship were in her former good condition — a rare
instance of obedience and submission.
The captain then went and acquainted the head prisoner
whom they had on board, with what they were going to
attempt. He was a hundred and ten years old, was the father
of the whole island, and had a number of children, grand-
children, and other relations on board. He assured the captain
that he and his fellow-prisoners would assist him in anything
he proposed, and the captain in return assured them that he
would run the same chance with them, and never desert them.
Captain Nicholls now asked Mr. Fox and the carpenter if
they were willing to venture in the long-boat ; they answered
bravely that they were ; for whether they died in the vessel
•or a mile or two farther was a matter of very little consequence;
and, as there was no prospect but death if they stayed, they
would willingly make the attempt. The captain then proposed
to Captain Moore, the carpenter, and mate, their going into
the cutter, which they also agreed to. As the sea was too
high to lower the boats into the water with the runners and
tackles, the captain told them his people should get the cutter
over the side, and have a proper painter made fast to her
before she dropped into the water ; and that they should have
two axes to cut the runners and tackles when they should
think the most convenient time. They accordingly got the
cutter over the sides ; and the ship lying pretty quiet, they
cut the tackles, and she dropped into the water very well,
and the painter brought her up. They went then to work
with the long-boat. Day-light now raised their spirits, and
the weather was tolerably moderate. The mate and carpenter
cut the runners, and the long-boat fell into the water as well
as the cutter had done ; and having a proper painter made
fast, she brought up extremely welL
326 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
There were people at the fore and main-top-mast heads to
look out for a sail, when, to their unspeakable joy, the man
at the main-top-mast head cried out that he saw two ships,
right astern, making after them. Captain Nicholls went and
acquainted the priest and old prisoner with the good news.
The latter took him in his aged arms and cried for joy. The
captain then ordered the ensign to be hoisted to the main-
top-mast shrouds, and to get the guns all clear to fire. It
was very hazy, and the ships were not far from them when
they discovered them first.
As soon as they hoisted their signal of distress, they hoisted
English colours, and seemed to be West Indiamen, of about
three or four hundred tons. They kept loading and firing as
fast as possible, when they perceived that they spoke each
other; and setting their fore-sail and top-sails they hauled
their wind and made from them. Captain Nicholls, imagining
that the bigness of the vessel, and her having so many men
on board, it being war time, might occasion a distrust, ordered
the main-mast to be cut away, to undeceive them. They had
people all the time at the shrouds to cut away in case of
necessity. One of the shrouds not being properly cut, checked
the mainmast, and brought her up right athwart the boats.
Captain Nicholls run aft himself and cut both the boat's
painters, or else they would have been stove to pieces, and
sunk immediately. A dismal thing to be obliged to cut away
the only thing that could be the means of saving their lives,
and afterwards to see the ships basely desert them ! Driven
from the greatest joy to the utmost despair, death now
appeared more dreadful. They had only the fore-sail hanging
in the brails, and the braces of both preventers being rendered
useless by the falling off of the mainmast, and the yard flying
backwards and forwards, by the rolling of the ship, they wera
fearful she would overset entirely.
They ran from the boats till they could but just see them ;
and finding that they did not endeavour to join them, though
they had each oars, fore-mast, and fore-sail. Captain Nicholls
consulted with the boatswain on the best measures to be
adopted in their deplorable situation. The captain thought,
that at all events, they should bring the ship to, though he
confessed it a terrible attempt to hazard her upsetting. The
boatswain said it appeared too hazardous, as the vessel steered
very well. However, finding the men in the boats did not
attempt to join them, the captain called all the people affc
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 327
and told them his resolution. They declared it was desperate,
but so was their condition, and that they were ready to do
whatever he thought best. Captain Moore disapproved of the
measure. Captain NichoUs then acquainted the priest, the
old gentleman, and the rest of the people, with his intentions,
and the motives for them. They were all pleased to say, let
the consequence be what it would, they should be satisfied
that he had acted for the best, they were therefore resigned
to what might happen. This was a dreadful crisis ; and great
were Captain Nicholl's feelings when about doing that, which,
though in his own judgment was right, might be the means
of sending four hundred persons to eternity. His resolution,
however, did not forsake him.
He persevered, and gave orders to bring the ship to. In
hauling out the mizen, which had been greatly chafed, it split.
They then got a new stay-sail, and bent it to bring her to,
which had the desired effect, though it was a long time before
this was accomplished, and they were once afraid that they
should be obliged to cut away the fore-mast, by a large sea
striking on her starboard quarter. The next sea hove her to,
and she stayed very well. When they saw, from the yawl,
that she was lying to for them, they shipped their fore-mast,
and ran them on board. As there was too much wind and a
large sea, to sprit the sail, they came on board, holding thuir
sheets in their hands. As soon as she came, Captain Mcholls
sent some men into her to row and fetch the long-boatw They
soon joined her, got her foremast up, and set sail, as did the
cutter ; and, to their great joy, came safe to them.
Just as they had joined them, the people from the fore-top-
mast cried out, " A sail ! a sail ! " The captain thought it
better to let the ship lie to, as, by seeing the mainmast gone
they might be certain they were in distress. It was hazy
weather, and they could see at no great distance ; but the
strange ship was soon near enough to see and hear their guns.
Just after she had hoisted her colours (which were Danish),
her main-top-sail sheet gave way, which, when Captain
Nicholls saw, he concluded that the other captain was going
to clew his main-top-mast up, to pend him, and come to their
assistance, which good news he immediately communicated
to the priest and others. In transports of joy they embraced
him, calling him their friend and preserver. But, alas ! poor
mistaken men ! this momentary joy was changed into many
hours of despondency by a second disappointment ; for as
S28 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
«oon as the strange captain had knotted or spliced his top-sail
sheet, he sheeted it home, and hauled from them. This was
about three in the afternoon. Gloomy despair then reigned
in every countenance, and lamentations echoed in the air.
Captain Nicholls now wore the ship, which she bore very well,
and steered tolerably before the wind.
About half an hour after, the old French gentleman came
to Captain Nicholls, and affectionately embracing him, said,
that he and his countrymen requested that the captain and
his people would endeavour to save their own lives in their
boats, and leave them to their fate, as it was impossible the
boats could carry alL The captain replied, that there were
no hopes of life for any ; as they had all embarked in the same
unhappy voyage, they ought all to take the same chance.
Urged by their further solicitations, he mentioned their pro-
posal to Captain Moore and his people, who said, as nothing
further could be done, they would comply with their request.
They took leave of each other with tears in their eyes, and
the captain requested his people to keep the boats near the
ship, which he was determined not to quit himself until it
was dark. They all assured him that they would not leave
him, and hastened down the stern-ladder. As the boats
ranged up by the sea, under the ship's counter, those that
went last hove themselves down, and were caught by them in
the boat.
Captain NichoUs had a little Norse boy on board, whom no
entreaties could prevail on to go into the boat until he did.
"When it grew dark, the captain insisted upon his going, say-
ing he would follow him immediately. He got on the stern
ladder, when a Frenchman, whom the fears of death had in-
duced to quit his wife and children, unperceived by any, got
over the taffrail, and treading upon the boy's fingers, made
him shriek out. Imagining somebody was in danger, the
captain went to see what was the matter, the old Frechman
following him ; when the latter, perceiving the man and his
iutentioDS, called him by his name, and said he was sorry to
find him so base as to desert his family. The man seemed
ashamed of what he had done, and came over the taffrail again.
The people in the boat begged the captain to come in, as the
blows, which she took under the ship's counter, were likely
to sink her.
Seeing the priest lay his arms over the rails in great emo-
tion, with all the apprehensions of death painted in his
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 329
countenance, the captain asked him if he were willing to take
his chance with him ? He replied, yes, if he had room for
him. The captain told him he had. Immediately the priest
went and gave his people his benediction : then, after saluting
the old gentleman, he tucked up his canonical robes, and went
into the boat.
As soon as the captain was in the boat, he bade the sailors-
cast them adrift. It was very dark ; they had neither moon
nor stars to direct them. Dreadful situation ! twenty-seven
in the long-boat and nine in the cutter, without victuals and
drink, and wholly ignorant how far they were from the Eng-
lish coast. It began now to blow very fresh, with sleet and
snow, and they agreed to keep as close to the ship as it was
possilale. The people, from their long exertions at the pumps
were very much fatigued ; and, after sitting awhile in the
wet and cold they began to wish they had stayed in the ship
and perished, as now they might endure a lingering death.
The boats now began to make water, and the men being so
exhausted, became indifferent of their fate, and refused to
bale them. The captain, however, prevailed upon them to
heave the water out of the long-boat. Having a brisk gale,
they had run a great way from the time they left the unfor-
tunate ship ; but at ten a.m. to their great sorrow, it fell calm,,
which threw the people into absolute despair. Captain
Nicholls observed that the water was coloured : and asked
for twine, one of the men gave him a ball which he had in
his pocket. They then knocked out the bolts of the long-
boat, to make a deep sea lead with, and, when sounded, ta
their great joy they found but forty-five fathoms water.
The people now began to complain of hunger and thirst,
when the captain showing, that as they had nothing to eat or
drink it was useless to complain. He was certain, by their
soundings, they were near Scilly, and did not doubt, if it
cleared up, but they should see land. He begged them then
to hope for the best, and bear up with manly resolution. His
little Norse boy (who always kept close to the captain) now
told him that he had got some bread in the bosom of his shirt ;
but when he took it out it was like baker's dough. It was
notwithstanding very acceptable, being about four pounds.
The captain put it into his hat, and distributed it equally,
calling the yawl to have their share. This, instead ot being
a relief, increased their troubles ; for, having been so wet and
clammy, it hung to the roofs of their mouths, and they had
S30 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
nothing to wash it down. Mr. Fox had some allspice, which
was of very little service. One of the sailors having a pewter
spoon, they cut it into junks, and by forcing them down their
throats, created a saliva, and by this means they swallowed
it
A light breeze sprung up about noon at S.W. By the boats
being foul of the main-mast, &c., the oars were all washed
out, except two in each boat. The captain, hearing a noise
among the crew, inquired the reason ; and having been in-
formed that two sailors were disputing about a couple of
blankets, which one of them had brought from the ship, he
observed that the present was no time for contentions, and
ordered the blankets to be thrown overboard. On recollection,
however, he desired them to be brought to him, as he would
convert them to a purpose that would be serviceable to all, On
asking for a needle and twine, which he was presently furnished
with, he told them that he designed to make a main-sail of
them, and requested the mate to take the remainder of tho
painter and unlay it ; as, it being a three-strand rope, it would
make them shrouds and a stay. They erected one oar for a
main-mast, and the other they broke to the breadth of the
blajikets, and made a yard of. The people in the cutter seein;,'
what they had done, and having a hammock with them, made
3. main-sail of that.
At four p.m. it cleared up, and they perceived a brig about
two miles from them. Captain Nicholls now ordered thy
cutter to give chase, and let them know their distress ; for
being lighter than the long-boat, he thought that she would
•eoon overtake them. The brig seeing them alter their course,
stood from them directly. In consequence of their strange
appearance, and it being war time, she probably took them
for one of the lug-sail boats, which the French privateers
used to frequent the lands off Sicily with. The cutter, how-
ever, gained on the brig very fast, but, to the great mortifica-
tion of those in the long-boat, by the time they supposed her
mid-way, a very thick fog came on, and they saw neither the
brig nor the cutter any more.
Night now coming on, and it being still very foggy, the
-people, nearly dead for want of sleep, reposed themselves,
sitting, half way in water, for it was impossible for so many
to find seats. Captain Nicholls, anxious for the preservatio-i
of his people, endeavoured to keep his eyes open, though this
■was the fifth night that he had taken no rest. About eleven
LOSS OF THE DUKE WILLIAM. 331
it cleared up. The captain thought he saw land. Everybody
was asleep but the man at the helm and himself. The captain,
however, was determined not to call out " land " till assured
it was so. Again he thought he saw land. The man at the
helm had by this time dropped asleep, and Captain Nicholls
took the tiller. After some time, he awoke Captian Moore,
and told him that he thought he saw land: but Captian
Moore only answered in a tone of despondency, that they
should never more see land, and dropped asleep again.
Captain Nicholls then awoke Mr. Fox, who had had a good
sleep, and seemed quite refreshed. Mr. Fox immediately
cried out that they were near land, and close in with the
breakers. Thus it was fortunate that Mr. Fox was awake ;
for in all probability they would all have perished by running
on the breakers, as Captain Nicholls was totally unacquainted
with them. At the word " land ! " everyone awoke, and, with
some difficulty they cleared the rocks.
At first they could not distinguish what part of the English
coast it was ; but it clearing more and more every moment.
Captain Nicholls looked under the lee-leach of the blanket
main-sail and discovered St. Michael's Mount in Mount's
Bay. The boat would not fetch the land near Penzance ; and
as they had no oars, it was determined not to endeavour to
run round the Lizard, but for Falmouth ; and wherever she
would chance to fetch, to run her boldly on shore. It was a
fine night ; and after they got round the point, they found
the water very smooth. They kept the boat close to the wind,
and fetched between Penzance and the Mount. The joy in
finding themselves in such a happy condition is not to be
described ; it gave them new life and strength. The people
forward called out that there were two rocks ahead. Captain
Nicholls jumped up and carried the boat between them with-
out ever touching ground. In a little time after she ran
ashore on a sandy beach.
The sailors immediately jumped into the water, and carried
Captain Nicholls and the priest ashore. They left the boat as
she was making the best of her way to Penzance. Some of
the people, with sleeping half way in the water, by which they
were wet from head to foot, found themselves so benumbed,
that they with difficulty went along.
On their road, as they marched to Penzance, they fell in
with a river of fresh water, of which they drank heartily, and
were thereby greatly revived They got into town about three
332 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
o'clock in the morning, and seeing a light in a tavern, made
up to it. Having been market-day, the people to the inn were
all gone to bed, but the mistress of the house was up. She
was terribly alarmed at the sight of the strangers, and indeed
their shocking appearance, together with the unseasonable
hour of their visit, were sufficient cause for apprehension. On
hearing their story, the master of the inn got up and called
his servants, who soon got for them what provision the house
afforded. After drying and refreshing themselves, as many
as could find beds went to them, and the rest slept on the floor
by the fire-side.
The next day Captain Nicholls went, with the priest, to the
mayor of the town, to make a protest before a notary, in order
to get credit for the people as well as for himself, who were
in want of every necessary. Having been referred to a Mr.
Charles Langford, a merchant, the captain went to him. This
gentleman received Captain Mcholls very politely, and asked
him to breakfast with him, when the captain declined, saying,
he wished to breakfast with his people at the inn. The cap-
tain then requested that he would furnish him with credit ;
but Mr. Langford declined complying with his request, as the
captain was an entire stranger to him, and he had already
suffered from having been lately imposed upon.
Captain Mcholls finding that the master of the inn refused
him credit, applied again to Mr. Langford for some money on
his ring, watch, buckles, &c. ; but as he was going to take hia
buckles out of his shoes, Mr. Langford, perceiving his tears,
and believing him, he said, an honest man, told him he should
have what credit he pleased. He then gave him the money he
required without any deposit.
During this, the second mate and eight men from the
cutter arrived. They informed Captain Nicholls, that in
consequence of the fog they could not come up with the brig ;
that, when it cleared they saw the Land's End and got on
shore. They had left the cutter as nobody would buy her,
and had inquired the way to Penzance, where, as they were
in great distress, they were happy in having met their fellow-
sufierers.
Captain Mcholls went to the inn, paid what was owing,
and for their unkindness, went to another house to breakfast.
After this he got what necessaries the people wanted. They
stayed a day longer at Penzance in order to rest themselves.
The captain then having procured a carriage for himself.
LOSS OF THE LUXBOROUGH. 333
Captain Moore, and officers, set out for Exeter. The rest of
the people, who had procured a pass of the mayor, walked. At
Exeter, Captain Nicholls was entertained by a worthy friend
of his, Samuel Killet, Esq., collector of the customs, who
sincerely sympathised with him on account of his misfortune,
and the loss of the Duke William, with 360 souls. Mr.
Killet provided a house, a good supper, and beds, for them at
his own expense. They stayed in Exeter two days, and then
set out for London.
What is very remarkable, when Captain Mcholls and his
party left the Duke William in distress, there was a small
jolly-boat on board ; and just before she went down, four
Frenchmen threw her, with two small paddles, overboard,
and swam to her. They got into Falmouth soon after Captain
Nicholls landed. They were no seamen, nor had ever seen
the English coast, so that theirs, like that of the long-boat
and cutter, was a most miraculous escape. The Duke William
(according to their report) swam till it fell calm, and as she
went down her decks blew up. The noise was like the
explosion of a gun, or a loud clap of thunder. The French-
men had but just left her when she was seen no more.
Burning of The Luxborough,
in the west indies.
The narrative which we are about to give is taken from a
statement drawn up and authenticated by the signature of one
of the survivors, a gentleman, whose station and character
would be sufficient guarantee for its correctness, if indeed
the simplicity of the tale did not give it the impress of truth.
That gentleman, Mr. William Boys, was a native of Deal, in
Kent, and descended from one of the most respectable
families in the country. When only fourteen years of age,
he went to sea, and, after serving ten years, in the navy, em-
barked as second-mate in the ship Luxborough of 26 guns,
and 340 tons, employed by the South Sea Company for
supplying Spanish America with slaves and European goods
under the Assiento contract. After escaping, in the manner
22
334 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
we are about to narrate, from the wreck of his vessel, he again
entered the royal navy, and was constantly employed at sea
during nearly thirty years, passing through different grada-
tions, of rank until he was commissioned to wear the broad
pennant, as commodore, on board the Eoyal Sovereign of
100 guns, and was appointed commander-in-chief of his
Majesty's ships in the Thames and Medway. In 1761, he
was made lieutenant-governor of Greenwich Hospital, and died
in 1774, while holding that appointment. Three of his grand-
children, who have distinguished themselves in the naval
annals of the country, now bear commissions as admirals in
the service.
" On the 23rd of May, 1727," says Mr. Boys in his narrative,
** we sailed from Jamaica to London, and on the 25th of June
were in latitude 41 deg. 45 min. north, and longitude 20 deg.
30 min. east, from Crooked Island. About half an hour
past noon, the captain's cook discovered flames of fire through
the lining of the forecastle, and ran in consternation to the
quarter-deck to give the alarm. At the same instant, the
head of a puncheon of rum burst out with an explosion re-
sembling the report of a cannon, which at once alarmed the
whole ship's company. It appeared that two black boys had
been sent by the steward to the store-room to draw off a
bottle of rum, and observing some liquor on the deck, out of
an unhappy curiosity to discover whether it were spirit or
water, for the water-casks were all there, had put their candle
to it, and in an instant the whole was in a blaze. Finding
themselves unable to extinguish the flame, they left the place
and hid themselves.
The third-mate, the surgeon, the carpenter, and myself,
got forward immediately, ripped off the tarpauling, opened
the fore-hatchway, and then saw the lazaretto, or store
room, in a liquid fire. We went below and endeavoured to
stifle the flame with swabs, rugs, blankets, our own clothes,
and things of that sort; but finding all our efforts in this
way ineffectual, we sent the pump to work, in the head,
whence the water was handed down to us. In the mean-
time, the captain indiscreetly ordered a scuttle to be cut
through the deck of the forecastle, with a view to pour
water directly on the fire; but this made the flames rage
with redoubled violence, and the whole forecastle was soon
in a blaze. We who were below, finding the fire to increase
very much upon us, desired the people on deck to get out
LOSS OF THE LUXBOROUGH. 335
the boats while we would still endeavour to quench the
flames, which they promised to do ; but when we could stay
no longer below, for the great heat, and came upon deck, we
found not the least preparation made to hoist out the boats,
the captain and the greatest part of the crew being on the
-quarter-deck crying to God for help, without using any means
to save themselves.
When I afterwards questioned the captain, in the boat,
as to the cause of this inactivity, he told me they expected
^very moment the powder would take fire and blow up
the ship. This powder was directly under the scuttle
where the fire was raging, a circumstance we did not think
of, or we might have done as they did. I immediately en-
<leavoured to persuade the people that the boats were our
only resource, and proceeded myself to prepare and apply
the tackle to the yawl. I was hoisted out in the boat, by
•desire of the chief -mate, for fear, when she should be in the
water, the men should run away with her before the long-boat
<50uld be got out. As she was lowering down, he handed me
the oars, one of which fell overboard, so we had but three.
By the time she was in the water, there were seven or eight
men in her, whom I entreated to return to the ship again in
order to get out the long-boat but they were unwilling to go
back, unless I would accompany them ; upon which, I took
hold of a rope, and was stepping into the ship, when I ob-
<served the captain dropping into the boat. I pressed him to
go back with me, but he told me the long-boat's bow was on
fire, and at that instant, by a roll of the ship, I perceived the
flames coming up the fore-hatchway above the long-boat's
bow.
At the same time it became necessary to put off the
boat, as the people were crowding into her, and there were
then in her twenty-two men and boys. As we passed under
the ship's quarter, the captain called to the chief-mate, who
was his brother, entreating him to jump into the water and
swim to the boat ; but he declined it, saying, it was impossible
the boat could swim many minutes, she having then her
gunwale nearly even with the water, and the wind blowing
very fresh.
We left sixteen men and boys in the ship, who all perished.
They attempted to get out the long-boat, and had in part
succeeded, but before they could get her over the side, we saw
her bow fall on the deck ; probably they could not stand near
336 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
her for the flames, or the tackle was burned and gave way.
In somewhat less than half-an-hour after we quitted her, the
ship was all on fire as far as the bulk-head of the steerage,
most of the unhappy men being then on the quarter-deck.
Shortly after, the whole of this part burst up at once in a
flame. The guns went off from time to time as the metal grew
hot ; but her upper works were wholly destroyed, and nearly
three hours elapsed before the gunpowder took fire. The
explosion rent her to pieces, and we saw no more of her.
Could we have stayed by the ship we probably might have
saved some provisions after she blew up, but we were obliged
from the first to put the boat right before the sea with twa
oars to prevent her filling.
As soon as our attention was disengaged from the ship and
our comrades on board, we began to reflect on the horrors
of our own situation. I came into the boat in my shirt and
drawers, having thrown the rest of my clothes upon the
fire. We had not time to take with us a morsel of victuals,,
or drop of drink ; we had neither mast, sail, nor compass, and
were at least 120 leagues from the nearest land. It blew and
rained hard the first two days and nights, and the sea ran so
high, that we were obliged to sit close together abaft, on the
gunwale, to keep out the waves. At this time we might have
saved a considerable quantity of rain-water, but the apprehen-
sion of immediate destruction obliterated every thought of
providing for our future wants, and besides, we had no vessels
in which it might have been kept.
On Wednesday it was fine weather, and then, as Providence
had so wonderfully preserved us hitherto, we began to enter-
tain some hope of deliverance, and contrived to make a sail>
by sewing together three frocks and a shirt, with a sail-needle
and some twine, which fortunately were in the pocket of one
of the black boys. The broken blade of an oar, found in the
boat, formed a tolerable yard. One of the oars served for a
mast. The halyards were formed of our garters, which were
converted likewise into a tack and a sheet. We then ripped
up the bottom-boards, under which we found several nails.
A caulking-mallet was likewise discovered, and we were
enabled to nail the boards to the gunwale, where the boat
was straight, by way of wash-streak, and where she rounded
abaft, we nailed slips of the men's frocks, all which answered
bravely.
Thus equipped, we hoisted our sail and steered as well as
LOSS OF THE LUXBOROUGH. 337
we could to the northward, knowing Newfoundland to be in
that quarter ; for on the day the ship was burnt I had worked
my day's work, and pricked off my reckoning on the draught
and I took particular notice of our bearing and distance from
Newfoundland. We judged of our course a few days by the
Bun, the stars, and the captain's watch, which went pretty
well ; but afterwards it proved foggy, and we could not then
judge which way we went.
On the 5th day it blew a storm, and, about noon, when the
gale was at its height, and our little boat in the utmost jeo-
pardy, it was proposed to throw overboard the two black boys
who set the ship on fire, in order to lighten the boat, which
I opposed strongly ; but, at the same time, thought it ex-
pedient to cast lots and give all an equal chance, which the
captain would not consent to. However, we continued to
talk of these measures till the evening, when John Horn, who
had been delirious with terror from the time we entered the
boat, and one of the negro boys, both died, and then, the boat
being lightened and the wind abating, we had no further
occasion to consider the subject. The next day, in the after-
noon, three more died raving, and calling out incessantly for
water, as was the case with all who died afterwards ; and it
was no small fatigue to us to restrain the poor wretches from
jumping overboard to cool and refresh themselves in the sea.
Our thirst became intolerable. Everyone but the captain,
surgeon, and myself, drank sea-water, which, by a false taste,
they thought to be quite fresh. We washed our mouths with
it, but swallowed none. The sail was frequently lowered, and
drained of every drop of moisture we could wring from it ;
then we sucked it all over, as we did everyone his neigbour's
clothes when wet with fogs or rain. Twice we saved some
water, to the quantity, on the whole, of about three-quarters
of a pint a-piece ; but these sparing and irregular supplies
availed but little to alleviate the torments of thirst under
which we languished.
The sensation of hunger was not so urgent, but we all saw
the necessity of recruiting our bodies with some more sub-
stantial nourishment, and it was at this time we found our-
selves impelled to adopt the horrible expedient of eating part
of the bodies of our dead companions, and drinking their blood.
Our surgeon, Mr. Serimsour, a man of the utmost humanity,
first suggested the idea, and, resolute to set us an example,
ate the first morsel himself; but, at the second mouthful
338 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
turned his face away from as many as he could and weptw
With great reluctance we brought ourselves to try different
parte of the bodies of six, but could relish only the hearts, of
which we ate three. We drank the blood of four. By cutting
the throat a little while after death, we collected a little more
than a pint from each body. Here I cannot but mention the
particular respect shown by the men to the officers ; for the
men who were employed in the melancholy business of collect-
ing the blood in a pewter basin that was in the boat, and th^
rest of the people, would never touch a drop till the captain »
surgeon, and myself, had taken as much as we thought proper.
And I can truly affirm, we were so affected by this strong
instance of their regard that we always left them a larger
share than of right belonged to them. This expedient, so
shocking in relation, and so distressing to us in the use, was-
undoubtedly the means of preserving those who survived, as
we constantly found ourselves refreshed and invigorated by
this nourishment, however unnatural.
We often saw birds flying over our heads, and fish playing
round the boat's stern, which we strove to catch with our
hat-bands knotted together, and a pin for a hook, baited with
a piece of the dead men's bodies ; but with all our contrivance,,
could not catch either fish or bird.
On the 7th day our number was reduced to twelve. At
night the wind came up moderately at S.S.K, as we judged,,
and increased till it blew a storm, which continued, with very
thick weather, till about four the next morning, when it
cleared up, and we found the wind to be about N.KE., still
blowing hard, and the sea breaking in a tremendous manner
all around us ; but it pleased kind Providence that no very
heavy seas struck the boat, which must have occasioned in-
stant destruction, though we shipped as much water as we
could manage to bale out. During the gale we were obliged
to scud before the wind, which carried us much out of our
way, and greatly diminished our expectation of reaching land.
Our only hope was to be seen and taken up by some vessel^
if the weather should be clear, which, indeed, was seldom the
case. When foggy, and in the night, we frequently made as
loud a noise as we could, that we might be heard by any
passing vessel. In the day-time, our deluded fancies often
represented to us the forms of ships so plain and near us that
we called to them a long time before we were undeceived ;
and, in the night, by the same delusion — the effect probably^
LOSS OF THE LUXBOROUGH. 339
of fever — we heard bells ring, dogs bark, cocks crow, and men
talk, on board of ships close to us ; and blamed these phan-
toms for their cruelty in not attending to our distress.
On the 5th and 6th of July, three more of our company
died. In the afternoon of the 6th, we found a dead duck,
which was green and not sweet : but we ate it, and heartily
praised God for it, though in a happier situation it would have
been an object ofifensive and disgustful.
July 7th, in the forenoon, we took a formal leave of one
another, and lay down in the bottom of the boat with a dead
body, which we tried, but had not strength, to throw over-
board, never expecting to get up again. We covered ourselves
with the sail, which we had lowered some time before, through
despair of its being of further use to us. After a while, find-
ing myself uneasy, and wanting to change my posture, about
one in the afternoon, I laid my hand on the gunwale to raise
myself a little, and, in the act of turning, thought I saw land
but said nothing till I was perfectly satisfied of its reality,
having frequently suffered the most grievous disappointments
in mistaking fog-banks for land. When I cried out * Land t
land ! * and we were all convinced that it was so, good God,
what were our emotions and exertions! From the lowest
state of desponding weakness we were at once raised to ecstasy
and with a degree of vigour that was astonishing to ourselves,
we hoisted the sail immediately. The boatswain, who was
the strongest man in the boat, crawled to the stern and took
the tiller. Two others found strength to row, from which
we had desisted the four preceding days, through weakness.
At four o'clock another man died, and we managed to throw
both the bodies overboard.
The land, when I first discovered it, was about six leagues
off. The wind was favourable, and, with sail and oars, we
went three or four knots. About six o'clock we perceived
some shallops in with the land. We steered for the nearest,
and came up with her about half-past seven, just as she was
getting under sail to carry in her fish. We hallooed to them
as loud as we could, and they lowered their sail to wait for
us ; but, when we were close on board, to our great grief and
astonishment, they hoisted their sail again and were going to
leave us ; our moans, however, were so piteous and expressive
that they soon brought-to and took us in tow. They mistook
us for Indians, or, rather, as they told us, did not know what
to think of us, our whole aspect was so unaccountably dismal.
340 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and horrible. They gave us biscuit and water, but the latter
only was acceptable, having totally lost our appetite for solid
food.
At about eight in the evening, we got on shore in Old St
I^awrence Harbour, on the western side of Placentia Bay, in
Newfoundland, and were most kindly treated. They made
chowder (a mess made with the heads of codfish) for us, and
gave us beer made of the tops of juniper, fermented with
molasses. We lay all night before a large fire, expecting a
good night's rest, but could get very little sleep on account of
the violent pains all over us. Captain Killaway died about
three o'clock in the morning, having been speechless thirty-
six hours before. Our bodies were soon covered over with
boils and sores, and it was eleven days before any of us could
walk abroad.
On the 20th of July we left St. Lawrence Harbour, and got
to Placentia on the 24th, with our little boat astern, in which
we went on board the Ludlow Castle, a man-of-war com-
manded by Captain John St. Loo, who entered us immediately
for victuals, and gave us leave to live on shore at the kind
invitation of the governor, who paid for the board of the
surgeon and me at the tavern, and sent the rest to the barracks,
where they were taken good care of, and recovered fast.
When I told Captain St. Loo of the number of persons who
came from the Luxborough in one boat, he knew not how to
give credit to my story ; and one calm morning he ordered as
many men as could be safely stowed in her to be carried on
shore, when they could crowd no more than twenty into her
with any prospect of working the boat. But, alas ! we were
forced to lie on one another, at first, in the most uneasy situa-
tion, till death made room for us. On the 4th of September,
five of us (one went to New England) sailed for Bideford,
and arrived safely there on the 1st of October, after escaping
great danger from the crazy state of the vessel. At Barn-
staple, the mayor paid our horse-hire to Ilfracombe. From
thence we went by water to Bristol, where the merchants on
'Change collected money for our fare to London in the stage-
coach, at which place we arrived on the 14th of October.
The boat in which we were saved was sixteen feet long, five
feet three inches broad, and two feet three inches deep, pretty
sharp for rowing well, and made to row with four oars."
For the whole of his after life Mr. Boys was accustomed
annually to commemorate his escape by acts of private
LOSS OF PRINCESS OF WALES. 341
devotion, and an almost total abstinence from food during
twelve successive days, beginning with the 25th of June, and
besides adopted as a motto to his armorial bearings, the legend,
*' From fire, water, and famine, preserved by Providence."
Loss OF THE Princess of Wales,
AT THE CROZETTE ISLANDS.
On the 9th of May, 1820, the Princess of Wales smack, 75
tons burden, Mr. T. Beckwith, commander, sailed from London
for Prince Edward's Island, in the Indian ocean, with a crew
of fifteen men, for the purpose of catching seals and sea
elephants for their skins. The sailors on such exepeditions
are generally made partners in the venture, as they receive
only a certain share of what is caught as their wages. She
arrived at her destination, and "sealing" was commenced
on the 1st of November, 1820, and they continued their
work until near March, when they went farther on to some
desert islands, discovered by Captain Cook, in 47 deg. S.
latitude, and 47 deg. E. longitude, which are rarely visited,
called the Crozettes. On the 17th of that month a party,
consisting of eight of the crew, were sealing on one of the
islands, and the vessel was at anchor at another, within
sight of the first island. In the course of that day a heavy
swell came from the S. E., and the captain, in order to
gain an offing, was obliged to slip the cable, and stand to
sea.
A calm came on soon after, and they lost all power over
the smack, for the current ran strong against a reef of rocks,
And the swell continued very heavy. In this condition they
continued, in hourly expectation of striking until midnight,
when she struck with tremendous force. It was then proposed
to get the boat out and try to gain the island ; but the captain,
who knew its desolate condition, and believed they could only
linger out a few days there, in dreadful want, opposed the
proposition, and he chose rather to close his sufferings by a
speedy death as the lees horrible alternative.
The crew, however, considered that there was still hope,
,and under the circumstance, assuming the right of acting for
342 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
themselves, they got the boat out over the gunwale, and
threw into her a few things which they were able hastily to
collect. Still however, they refused to leave their captain to
perish, and after some entreaty they prevailed upon him ta
commit himself to the boat with them. The night was
dark, rainy, and boisterous, and the sea dashed over the
rocks by which they were surrounded. They found the
shore to be much nearer than they expected, but could not
land, as it was bounded by a perpendicular rock. After
rowing about for nearly four hours, they came into a sort of
cove, where they got on shore in safety, but the boat was
swamped. How they escaped the rocks in that darkness and
heavy sea was afterwards matter of astonishment to them.
They hauled up the boat, turned it over, and got under it.
When the day broke they perceived the vci^sel lying on
her beam-ends, with a large hole in her lower planks, which
proved that from the instant she first struck she could not
afterwards have lived. The sea was washing over her, and it
was evident that she must soon go to pieces. They were
unable to launch the boat to save anything from the wreck.
Amongst the articles put into the boat was a tinder box,
and with a few materials, which they picked up on the shore,
they made a fire, and caught a few birds, which they dressed.
On the next day they succeeded in launching the boat, and
proceeded in her to a cove at about five miles distance, which
was nearer the vessel. They succeeded in reaching her, and
getting out the captain's and the mate's chests, landing them,
and in picking up a number of planks. The next day they
picked up a try-sail, and some casks of bread which was spoilt,
but a gale coming on, prevented them from putting out in
the boat to visit the wreck, as it blew furiously. The next
day they saw, to their distress, that nothing was left of her
but the masts, which had got entangled by the rigging among
the rocks. This was the last thing they saved. They then
hauled the boat up to live, or rather to sleep, under her, and
this was their only shelter for three weeks, during which time
they subsisted chiefly on birds, and the tongues and hearts of
sea-elephants. They had got some of their hunting imple-
ments on shore, and were able to kill this animal with ease,
whenever they caught it, and its great importance to them
will appear in the course of the narrative.
The weather was so rainy and inclement, that until the end
of three weeks they were unable to begin to erect any com-
LOSS OF PRINCESS OF WALES. 345
modious shelter. At the expiration of that time they collected
all the timber they could find, for the island did not produce
a shrub. With a part of these materials, and some stones, at
the end of a few weeks they completed a house or shed. They
covered the top with sea-elephants' skins, to keep out the
rain, and the weather, at the sides, by means of turf. They
made their beds of a soft, dry grass, with which the island
abounded, and over this they had coverlids of sea-elephants*
skins, and on the whole, they made their shelter tolerable.
They soon got into a settled course of life. They hunted
seals and sea-elephants. The latter animals were their chief
subsistence, and, to use the expression of one of the sailors^
it was " meat, drink, fire and lodging " to them. The carcase
is often much larger than that of the largest ox, but it was
only certain parts of it they could eat, the most considerable
part of it being blubber, this blubber serving them as fuel.
They made a grate with some stones, and the hoops of a cask.
They placed at the bottom some dried grass, and over that
some elephant's blubber, and when the grass, arranged in this
manner, was lighted, the blubber burnt of itself, and made
fine blazing fires. They were enabled to divide the time by
a watch which the captain had saved. In the mornings they
rose about eight o'clock, and breakfasted on fried birds. These
consisted of several species peculiar to those latitudes, but
the chief was a species which the sailors call " Nellys," which
burrow in the ground, and are easily caught.
After breakfast they went out to hunt, leaving one or two
behind to cook dinner. This dinner consisted generally of a
sort of soup, composed of sea-elephant's flippers, heart, and
tongue, chopped in pieces. They could find no vegetables on
the island, which produced nothing but grass, excepting a
plant like a cabbage, that was extremely bitter, and this they
made use of occasionally to flavour their soup. Great incon-
veniences were at first sustained for want of proper eating-
utensils, as there was only the large kettle in which their
soup was made. They managed, however, to make some
wooden spoons for themselves. They next cut down an old
cask, and with it made a kind of soup tureen, out of which
they all ate together.
Their last improvement was to manufacture a sort of wooden
trencher for themselves, when they ate comparatively in a
superior style of comfort. In the soup they sometimes pub
elephant skin, which had the appearance of tripe, but in taste
344 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and substance it is described as of a more " leathery " nature.
After dinner some of them went out again to hunt for " grub,"
some remaining at home, the swiftest runners being chosen
to hunt the seal At " tea-time," or dusk, they returned and
partook of a mess composed of penguin's eggs, boiled in water.
Now and then they killed the albatross, which is rather a
strong bird, and roasted it ; but as the young ones were highly
esteemed, and as the mariners daily began to lose their hope
of being delivered, they were afraid to kill the old birds lest
they should quit the island, and in this fear they permitted
them to live as " stand boys." For the same reason they
spared the penguins, which supplied them plentifully with
eggs. The young seals were considered as the greatest luxury,
but they, as well as the old ones, were but too scarce, and
their skins were in high request for clothes. For at the end
of a few months, from their mode of life, their clothes gave
way ; and indeed, the climate was so cold and wet that they
were not fit to withstand the inclemency of the weather.
The men set to work and made themselves clothes of the
seal-skin, some using the hair inwards. They made a needle
out of a nail. For shoes they made themselves a sort of sock
or buskin of the same material, and they constructed various
kinds of caps, which, as their beards were pretty long, by no
means tended to improve the physiognomy.
Meanwhile with regard to the other sealing party of eight
men, which quitted the ship to go to the first island, it was
appointed that they should remain fishing on the island for a
week, while the smack should proceed on to the next island,
and at the end of the time, return to them with fresh provi-
sions. In order to give a notion of the kind of life which
these hardy men endure in the fisheries or places of this
description, it may be worth stating, that with provisions for
a week or so they set out from the vessel round these desert
islands, to the difficult parts frequented by the seals. They
haul the boat ashore in the quarter where they hunt the prey.
They turn the boat, which is generally built light, bottom
upwards, placing a large stone at each end to elevate her, and
make her rest on one side to allow an opening. The space
along the side, with the exception of one hole to crawl in at,
is then closed up by dirt to keep out the wind and rain.
Under this shelter, they sleep during their absence from the
vessel, in weather generally rainy, and often with snow upon
the ground for days, and yet the men are mostly in fine robust
LOSS OF PRINCESS OF WALES. 345
health, and under the incitement which they partake as sharers
of the spoil (though that share is sadly disproportionate to
their labours) they pursue the chase with the greatest vigour,
and in an ordinary voyage, we understand, will often take
upwards of 10,000 skins.
This party, on going at the end of the week to the place
where it was agreed the smack should take them up, were
greatly perplexed that she did not make her appearence, but
their distress may be conceived, on finding different parts of
the wreck floating near the shore, which led them to the con-
clusion, from perceiving no other traces, that she, with all
their comrades on board, had perished in the storm. They
remained in this spot more than six weeks, in a most gloomy
situation, and then removed to another part of the island for
the convenience of provisions. They there stayed out the
winter, living on seals and sea elephants, which they also
cooked with the blubber, which is highly inflammable. At
the expiration of that time provisions became scarce, and they
removed round the island for the purpose of crossing over to
the next island, in hopes of finding the seals there in great
plenty. The distance between the two islands is little more
than ten miles. They fortunately landed at the very spot
near where their shipmates had built the house, and there
they met, to the great joy of both parties.
The fishing party brought with them their kettle, frying-
pan, and some implements which were highly acceptable, and
increased their scanty means of comfort. They lived alto-
gether for a time in the manner stated. Their occupation
was either hunting for provisions or preparing them, and
mending or making their clothes. The snow was sometimes
for a long period on the ground, and there were but three
weeks' fine clear weather in the year. Some months the
weather was so bad that they remained in the house for more
than three days together. In those dreary times their great
consolation was a Bible, which had been given to them by
Captain Cox, the agent to the Merchant Seaman's Bible Society,
which the captain and others of the crew read aloud to the
rest. It was, in fact, read every day, by one or other of them,
and some who had never read it before, read it during the
time they lived on the island several times over. It effected
in the characters of several a change highly beneficial, and
promoted piety and resignation in the whole. During their
stay there were no parties amongst them; no quarrelling,
546 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
and none assumed command, but obedience of the best kind
existed — namely, that produced by a conviction of the utility
^nd propriety of the thing proposed, and a mutual desire to
be serviceable. They all gave their utmost exertions to the
execution of whatever was suggested by the most experienced
or received the sanction of the majority.
After they had been together for about three weeks, and
the prospect of deliverance from the dreary solitude, getting
•every day more remote, it was proposed to construct a vessel
with the timber of the wreck, and the materials of which the
house was built. — There were the remains of a hut built on
the other island, by some Americans who visited it some years
before, when seals were more plentiful. With these and what
liad been saved from the wreck, the carpenter reported that
a vessel might be built, and they set to work upon that object
immediately. The sails were to be made of seal-skins sewn
together, and a party consisting of eleven went to the first
island, for the purpose of collecting and preparing them, and
digging up the timber which had been used for the house.
The collection and preparation of the skins took three weeks
and in a week more they collected all the timber for the
building of the vessel. From the state of their provisions, it
was found convenient that five of their number should return
and stay at the other island, as there were not provisions
sufficient for the subsistence of all at the island, where the
house was built. This party, therefore, having received a
proportionate share of the utensils — namely, one kettle, and
the bottom of an old one, which was used as a frying-pan,
they set off. Those who remained, in order that they might
apply the timber used in constructing the old house to the
building of their vessel, set to work to build a new habitation,
which they formed chiefly of stones and turf.
This house appears to have been an improvement on the
first, inasmuch as it had the luxury of three chimneys, which
however, either would not draw, or were insufficient, as the
inmates were obliged to cut a hole in the gable end to let out
the smoke. At this time they used the elephants' bones, with
the blubber as fuel, the fumes from which were by no means
agreeable. Having finished this, they shifted their things
into it ; tore down the first, and then cleared the place where
it stood for the purpose of building the vessel upon it. They
laid the keel, made from the topmast of the wreck, to erect a
vessel whose keel should be twenty-nine feet, and built like
LOSS OF PRINCESS OF WALES. 347
3. lugger, and of about four and a half feet high. Ifc was cal-
culated that she would be about twelve tons burden. They
worked at it with assiduity, animated by the hope of deliver-
ing themselves. Their history of their various expedients to
supply the place of regular tools and materials, though unin-
telligible to the general readers would be highly interesting
to nautical men. At the end of five months they had
completed her with her seal-skin sails, and they set off to the
other island to fetch the other five men, that they might assist
in the launch.
Nearly two years had now rolled over since they were first
wrecked — a time which, as marked by their privations and
anxieties, appeared as long as their lives. The five men who
were in this first island were dispersed in search of food, and
the larger party were obliged to go in pursuit of them.
On the next day after their arrival, a gale sprung up and
their boat was driven about seventy yards from where she
was made fast, and her stern knocked to pieces. They occu-
pied themselves in attempting to repair the disaster, which
threw them into great dismay. The day was fine, when an
old man, who was out on a mountainous point trying to descry
their comrades, came running down in great haste, and pre-
sented himself before them in a bewildered state. He gesticu-
lated without being able to speak a word, when the captain,
not conceiving the cause, said, " What's the matter with you,
you foolish fellow ? "
At last he recovered as far from effects of his joy as to be
able to t'CU them he had seen a vessel standing in towards
the shore. This none of them would believe, and all said it
must be a bird sitting on the water, an object which had often
deceived their hopes. The man, however, was convinced that
he was not mistaken, and asked who would go with him to
see the vessel, when one offered to go with him and ascertain
the fact; and a tinder-box was given to them, that they
might, if it were true, make a fire to show those on board
that there were human beings on the island. To their in-
describable joy, these two men, on getting to the place where
she was first discovered, saw a schooner standing along shore,
and, from the carcase of a sea-elephant just killed, and other
traces, perceived that the crew must have been on shore.
They then sought for and killed one of those animals, and
with its blubber they soon made a fire on the promontory.
348 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
that evidently caught the attention of the schooner, as a boat
was seen to proceed from her towards the shore.
The men ran down eagerly to meet her, but when the boat
got near the shore, the crew evidently hesitated, on seeing the
two men, whose appearance must certainly have been of a
dubious nature. They were naked, with the exception of
their rough brown fur jackets, as they had thrown off their
skin trousers, which were exceedingly thick and heavy, for
the convenience of running. They, however, hailed the crew,,
in a manner which proved them to be civilized beings, and
they were taken on board. The vessel turned out to be an
American schooner, which had come for the purpose of sealing
and trading in those seas. The captain received them very
kindly, and gave them shirts and trousers. It was sunset
when they were taken on board, and the next day the captain
and the remaining party were fetched. They proceeded in
search of the other party, who descried the vessel with a
degree of joy equal to that of the first man who saw it, and
on the boat approaching the shore, hailed it with three cheers,,
which was returned by their comrades on board. Those on
shore were so overjoyed, that they did not wait for her coming
to shore, but rushed into the water to haul her up. They
were all taken on board. They assisted the schooner in load-
ing, and after taking all things on board, she sailed for tha
Isle of France, her destination.
The Original Robinson Crusoe,
BEING AN ACCOUNT OF
ALEXANDER SELKIRK'S ISLAND LIFE.
In the beginning of the year 1705, two ships, the St. George^
of twenty-six guns, commanded by Captain Dampier, and
the Cinque Ports, of sixteen guns, commanded by Captain
Stradling, set sail from England to cruise against the
Spaniards in the South Seas. On board of the latter vessel
was a sailor of the name of Alexander Selkirk, whose strange
adventures and long and lonely stay on an uninhabited island,.
ORIGINAL ROBINSON CRUSOE. 349
Defoe took as the groundwork of his celebrated romance of
Eobinson Crusoe.
In the course of the voyage, it was found that the captains
could not agree. They had frequent quarrels, and long before
the ships arrived at the island of Juan Fernandez, they had
more than once threatened to part, and pursue a separate
course. Having taken in water, however, at Jaun Fernandez,
they proceeded on their voyage ; and coming in sight of a
Spanish vessel, they forgot their disagreements for a time
and uniting their forces, attacked and took her.
She proved to be a merchant ship with a valuable cargo.
The division of the spoil, unfortunately, led to a fresh and
more obstinate quarrel ; in consequence of which, Dampier
refused to sail any longer with Stradling. The ships accord-
ingly parted ; the former persevered in his cruise, while the
latter returned to Juan Fernandez. Here dissension broke
out among the crew ; and while the Cinque Ports was taking
in wood and water, Alexander Selkirk had so violent a quarrel
with the captain that he determined to quit the ship alto-
gether. He appears to have been rather passionate and hasty
in his temper ; and seeing no sign on the part of Captain
Stradling of a desire to baulk him of his humour, he perse-
vered in his intention to leave the vessel ; while the captain,
on his side, glad to get rid of a man whom he disliked, and
no doubt wishing to furnish an example to his mutinous crew,
readily complied with Selkirk's request, whom he ordered to
be sent ashore, with his box of clothes, his bedding, his gun,
and some gunpowder, — to which were added, an axe, a hatchet,
a kettle, and some books and mathematical instruments.
The island was uninhabited and the ship remained three
days there, after Selkirk's landing. During this time he
recovered from his anger, and having had leisure to rellect,
repented of his conduct. The solitude of the island alarmed
him, and he earnestly begged to be taken on board again.
But the captain refused to forgive him, and would upon no
account allow him to be received into the ship. The crew
were intimidated, and the vessel sailed away, leaving Selkirk
by himself on the island.
The unfortunate man watched the departure of the ship
with feelings which may be more easily imagined than
described. Several times he felt tempted to fling himself
into the sea, and swim after her; but he knew that such
an attempt would be useless, and that even if he should
23
350 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
have the strength to reach her, the inexorable captain
would not take him on board. His only hope of ever
leaving the island was the chance arrival of some English
ship coming there for water. So long as the daylight lasted,
he remained on the shore, in the vain expectation of seeing
some sail in the distance. On the approach of night, his
despair and grief were turned into terror; and when he
found himself in darkness and solitude, his alarm increased
so much, that he could scarcely sleep or get any rest. This
continued for some days ; but by degrees his alarm became
less and less, and when he had lived eight months on the
island, he had recovered his former courage, and was no
longer afraid of being alone, having become used to his
solitude.
Fortunately, there were no beasts of prey on the island,
which abounded with goats, cats, rats, birds, and seals. Of
these animals, the rats alone gave him annoyance. It was
not long before he could relish the only food that the island
afforded, because he had neither salt nor bread to eat it with.
His food consisted of goat's flesh, either broiled or made into
broth, and sometimes he caught a large kind of cray-fish,
about the size of a lobster, which when boiled he found very
pleasant to the taste.
He had lived some time upon the island before he thought
of building himself a house or hut. The day he passed on
the sea-shore ; and at night he climbed a tree. But when
he felt that he had nothing to fear, and saw no appearance
of any vessel, he determined to make himself as comfortable
as he could, and in some degree became contented with his
condition. The island abounded with pimento trees, which
supplied him with wood for building and for burning. He
also seasoned his meat with the fruit of the tree, it being the
same as Jamaica pepper. In a sheltered spot in the wood, he
built himself two huts, and covered them with a roof of long
grass. Having dried the skins of the goats that he had killed,
he lined the inside of the walls with them, and so made his
dwelling secure from wind, rain, and heat. He cooked and
eat his food in the smaller hut, and put his hammock in the
other, where he slept. This being finished, he now turned
his attention to taming some of the wild cats. By placing
some goats' flesh for them regularly every day at his house,
he soon attracted a prodigious number of them ; and by
degrees he coaxed a few of them to remain with him
ORIGINAL ROBINSON CRUSOE. 351
altogether. These animals followed him in his walks, sat
with him at home, and even learned to dance, while he sang
tunes to them. They were useful, besides, in destroying and
driving away the rats, which had not only stolen and spoiled
his food and clothing, but while he slept, they had actually
tried to gnaw his feet. He also succeeded in taming some
kids, and the frolics and games of his cats and goats with one
another, afforded him amusement, and served to beguile many
an otherwise tedious hour.
The whole of the western coast of America, at that time,
belonged to the Spaniards ; and they had suffered much from
the English cruisers, who had taken several of their valuable
ships, and burnt and plundered many of the towns. The
Spaniards, in their turn, were in the practice of making
prisoners of all the Englishmen that they met with, and either
put them to death, or what was worse, sent them to work in
the mines. This, Selkirk knew ; and he dreaded lest he should
be found and taken by any of the Spaniards, who might
happen to land on the shores of the island for water. Other-
wise, he might have been relieved from his captivity much
sooner than he was. One day, a Spanish ship arrived in a
harbour close to that part of the island in which he had fixed
his dwelling ; and some of the sailors had landed before he
was even aware of the ship's arrival Finding that he was
observed, and alarmed at his danger, he fled into the woods
for safety. He was fired at and pursued. Kunning at his
utmost speed — and he had become as swift of foot as a goat,
from his endeavours to catch his prey — he soon outstripped
his pursuers, and climbed a tree before the Spaniards could
overtake him.
It happened that the Spaniards stopped under the very
tree in which poor Selkirk had taken shelter. He saw them
load their guns, and then, after looking about as if in search
of him, fire at the goats that were feeding near. Carrying
off such of these animals as they had killed, they departed
to the ship without discovering him. All that night, and the
greater part of next day, he remained in the tree, afraid to
<;ome down : and when he did venture to leave it, being forced
by hunger and thirst to do so, he crept cautiously to his hut,
and was rejoiced to find that it had not been discovered.
When he at length ventured to walk towards the shore, the
ship had sailed, and be had the satisfaction to feel himself
once more alone.
352 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The want of gunpowder soon added to the difficulties of
his situation. So long as it lasted, he did not want for food
or fire ; but he was afterwards obliged to trust to fleetness
of foot in securing the goats, and once, after a hard chase, h&
caught hold of the horns of a goat just as it reached the edge
of a steep precipice, and was pulled over along with it>
and got himself severely bruised, so that he was confined
to his hut for ten days, and sufiered from it for some time
after.
The clothes that he had with him when left upon the island
were now worn out ; his shoes also were done ; and, with all
his efforts, he could not make himself any substitute for the
latter. Constant use, however, made his feet so hard that he
could run anywhere without difficulty or inconvenience. But
he could not go without clothes; accordingly, he prepared
some goats' skins, and with his knife cut the skins into the
proper shapes, and then, with narrow strips or thongs, he
sewed the different pieces together. A nail served him for
a needle ; he pierced holes in the skins, and drew the thongs
through. In this rude way he contrived to make himself
a jacket and trousers, and a cap, all of goats* skins. In
his sea-chest, he found some pieces of linen ; and with the
help of his nail-needle, he set about making himself a new
shirt. Instead of the thongs of skin, he used the worsted
threads drawn out of his old worsted stockings.
His knife, so valuable to him, had become worn away to
the back, and he contrived to make a new one in the following
manner. From ofif the cask which had held the stores landed
for his use, he stripped some of the iron hoops, which he
heated, and while they were hot, he beat them thin with a
hammer. He then both shaped them and gave them an edge,
by grinding them upon stones ; and it was an easy matter to
give the blades so formed, handles ; and rude as they were,
these knives were of considerable use to him.
Selkirk kept an account of the goats that he caught during;
his stay upon the island. Besides those which he tamed, he
caught and killed five hundred for food. He also caught as
many more for amusement; and after marking them, by
slitting one of their ears, he allowed them to go at large again.
Several of these goats were alive more than thirty years
afterwards, when they were seen by Commodore Anson, when
he stayed some time at the island, for the purpose of recovering
his sick crew.
ORIGINAL ROBINSON CRUSOE. 353
Four years and four months passed away, and Selkirk had
become almost reconciled to his lonely life. One day he
descried two ships at some distance, which, from their appear-
ance, he was convinced were English vessels. He immediately
lighted a large fire as a signal, and waved a piece of linen
cloth as a flag, in order to attract the attention of those on
board. Ere long he had the pleasure of seeing a boat put off
and row towards the shore. As the boat neared the beach,
he saw to his inexpressible joy, that the men were Enprlish ;
but the boat's crew advanced cautiously after landing, lest
the signal should have been made by an enemy, for the
purpose of deceiving them.
The astonishment of the sailors was extreme, when, as they
approached, they perceived the singular figure of a man
advancing towards them, clad in goats' skins, and calling to
them in a language which they could not doubt to be English,
although spoken in such a way that they could not make out
the word. Selkirk soon made the boat's crew understand
that there was nothing for them to be afraid of, that he was
the only person living upon the island, and had been so for
more than four years; and believing the two ships to be
English he had lighted the fire to attract their notice, in
order that they might deliver him from his solitude. The
sailors, after recovering from their astonishment, invited
Selkirk to dine with them on the beach and they were sur-
prised that he would neither eat their salted provisions, nor
drink their brandy and rum. He had drank nothing stronger
than water during his stay on the island, and he could not
bear the strong liquors which the sailors offered him. He
had so much forgotten the pronunciation of his native
language that he could scarcely make himself understood.
When dinner was over, Selkirk, in his turn, invited the sailors
to his hut, but the way being intricate and rugged, only a few
of them had the curiosity to go. He returned with his visitors
to the beach, and then accepted the offer of the boat's crew to
take him with them to the ships. These vessels were called
Duke and the Duchess, and were commanded by Captain
Woodes Kogers and Captain Courtenay, who when they heard
that there was no enemy in the island, ordered the ships to
be brought to anchor.
On board the Duke, Selkirk met with one of his former
companions. This was no other than Dampier, who, as soon
as he heard the name of Selkirk, at once recognised him as
354 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
one of the crew of the Cinque Ports, and gave him so good a
character to Captain Kogers, that the captain offered him
immediate employment on hoard his own ship. While the
ships remained at the island, Selkirk was very useful in
assisting to supply them with fresh provisions, and with wood
and water. On one occasion, he entertained his new com-
panions by calling his cats and goats around him, and making
them dance, while he sang to them one of the songs which
had so often amused him in his solitude.
He was asked many questions as to his manner of living.
The seamen could hardly believe him when he told them that
he could, on foot, pursue and overtake the goats. But he at
once offered to prove the truth of what he said, and catch a
goat for the use of the ship's company. This was agreed to ;
and some of the sailors, who reckoned themselves capital run-
ners, offered to run with him. There was a bull-dog on board
of one of the ships, and Selkirk proposed that it should also
be brought to join in the race. Accordingly the whole party
set off ; but Selkirk soon tired both men and dog, and left
1 hem far behind. He returned to them shortly afterwards,
bringing on his shoulders a live goat that he had overtaken
and caught.
Captain Eogers gave Selkirk shoes, and stockings, and
clothes. His feet had been so long accustomed to the want
of the former, that the wearing of them again caused him much
pain and uneasiness, and it was some time before he could
endure them.
He was thirty years of age when first left upon the island,
and therefore more than thirty-four when he quitted it.
After a protracted voyage, he arrived in London ; and then
the recollections of his peaceful, quiet life on the island came
strong upon him. The bustle of the streets distracted him,
and he walked along them very quick, and sometimes even
ran, quite unaware of the crowd that stopped wondering at
him. In the streets of London, he forgot how much he had
often suffered from solitude, and he sometimes wished to be
restored to his island again.
LOSS OF EARL OF ELDON. 355
THE LOSS BY FIRE OF
THE EARL OF ELDON,
IN THE EAST INDIES.
The following account is by J. J. Ashton of the Madras
Artillery: — On the 24th of August, 1834, I embarked on
board the ship. Earl of Eldon (of London, 600 tons, Captain
Theaker), at Bombay, with a view of returning to my native
land, on furlough. She was the finest and strongest ship in
the trade, and any insurance might have been had on the
chances of her successfully resisting the winds and the waves ;
but who can foresee their fate, even for a day ? She was
cotton loaded ; and as the number of passengers was small,
the space between decks was filled chock up with cotton-bales,
screwed in as compact and tight as possible, so as to render
it a matter of more difficulty to take them out than it had
been to put them in. It unfortunately happened that the
cotton had been brought on board damp, during heavy rain,
and had not been dried in the warehouses previous to its being
screwed ; as this operation is performed by a very powerful
compression, it is not unlikely that fire-damp might be gene-
rated in the same manner as in a hay-stack, when it has been
stalked damp.
The number of individuals on board was forty-five, includ-
ing three ladies and an infant, and the captain and his crew.
On the 26th of September, after a series of baffling winds and
calms, and heavy rains with squalls of wind, we got into 9
deg. 27 sec. S. lat., and between 70 and 80 deg. E. long., and
the trade-wind appeared to have fairly caught hold of our
sails. We began now to anticipate our arrival at* the Cape.
On the morning of the 27th I rose early, about half-past five,
and went on deck ; I found one of my fellow-passengers there :
we perceived a steam apparently rising from the fore-hatch-
way ; I remarked to H. that I thought it might be caused by
fire-damp, and, if not immediately checked, might become fire.
The captain came on deck, and I asked him what it was ?
He answered, steam ; and that it was common enough in
cotton-loaded ships, when the hatches were opened. I said
nothing : but the smoke became more dense, and beginning
356 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to assume a different colour, I began to think that all was not
right, and also that he had some idea of the kind, as the
carpenter was cutting holes in the deck, just above the place
whense the smoke appeared to come. I went down to dress,
and about half-past six the captain knocked at my door, and
told me that part of the cotton was on fire, and he wished to
see all the gentlemen passengers on the deck.
We accordingly assembled, and he then stated the case to
be thus. — That some part of the cargo appeared to have spon-
taneously ignited, and that he proposed removing the bales
until they should discover the ignited ones, and have them
thrown overboard, as also those which appeared to be in the
same damaged condition ; and that it being necessary, in his
opinion, to do this, he deemed it his duty to lay the matter
before us. We, of course, submitted everything to his judg-
ment, and he ordered the hands to breakfast as quick as
possible, and to work to discover the source of the fire. This
having been done, he said that there did not appear to be
immediate danger, and that he hoped we might be able to
avert it altogether. However, at eight o'clock, the smoke
became much thicker, and began to roll through the after-
hatchway — the draught having been admitted forward, in
order to enable the men to work. Several bales were removed ;
but the heat began to be intolerable below, the smoke rolled
out in suffocating volumes, and before nine o'clock we dis-
covered that part of the deck had caught fire ; in short, the
men were obliged to knock off work.
The captain then ordered the hatches to be battened down,
with a view to keep the fire from bursting out, and to hoist
out all the boats, and stock them in case of necessity ; this
was done, and about half-past one the three ladies, two sick
passengers, an infant, and a female servant, were put into the
long-boat, with 216 gallons of water, twenty gallons of brandy
and biscuit for a month's consumption, together with such
pots of jam and preserved meats as we could get at, and the
day's provisions of fresh and salt meat.
Had the captain ventured to pump water into the ship, to
extinguish the fire, the bales would have swelled so much as
to burst open the deck, and have increased so much in weight
as to sink the ship ; so that either way destruction would have
been the issue. Under these circumstances, perceiving the
case to be utterly hopeless, the captain requested the gentle-
men to get into the boats, told off" and embarked his men, and
LOSS OF EARL OF ELDON. 357
at three o'clock he himself left the ship, the last man, just as
the flames were bursting through the quarter-deck.
We then put off, the two boats towing the long-boat ; the
chip's way had been previously stopped by backing her yards.
When we were about a mile from the ship she was in one
blaze, and her masts began to fall in. The sight was grand,
though awful. Between eight and nine o'clock all her masts
had fallen, and she had burned to the water's edge ; suddenly
there was a flash, followed by a dull, heavy explosion — her
powder had caught, for a few seconds her splinters and flam-
ing fragments were glittering in the air, and then all was
dar kuess, and the waters had closed over the Earl of Eldon !
Sad was the prospect now before us ! There were in the
long-boat, the captain and twenty-five persons, including an
infant four months old ; the size of the boat, 23 feet long by
7 feet broad ; in each of the others ten individuals, including
the officer in charge ; one of the boats had some bags of
biscuit, but the chief provision was in the long-boat. We
were, by rough calculation, above 1000 miles from Eodrigue,
and 450 from Diego Garcias, the largest of the Chagos Islands ;
but to get there we must have passed through the squally
latitudes we had just left, and being subject to variable winds
and heavy weather, or calms, neither of which we were pre-
pared to resist.
Seeing then that our stock was sufficient, we determined
on trying for Eodrigue. About eleven o'clock, having humbly
committed ourselves to the guidance of that Providence in
which alone we had hope, we accomplished rigging the boats,
and were under sail. We carried a lantern lashed to our
mast in the long-boat, to prevent the others from losing us
during the night ; and when day broke, sent them sailing in
all directions around, to look out for ships ; while the
wind was light they could outsail us, but when it became
strong, and the sea very high, the difference of speed was
rather in our favour as the weight and size of the long-boat
enabled her to lay hold of the water better.
On the third day of our boat navigation, the change of the
moon approaching, the weather began to wear a threatening
aspect ; but as we were in the trade, we did not apprehend
foul or contrary winds. In the course of the night it blew
fresh with rain ; we were totally without shelter, and the sea
dashing its spray over us, drenched us and spoilt a great part
358 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of our biscuit though we happily did not discover this until
we were nearly out of the want of it.
The discomfort and misery of our situation may be mor&
easily imagined than described. There was a large water-
puncheon in the boat, on the top of which I slept nearly all
the time we were in the boats. The ladies were in the stern
of the boat ; and H., myself, and the doctor, together with a
Bombay lieutenant, in the body of it with the men.
In the course of the next day the weather grew worse, and
one of our small boats, in which was Mr. Simpson, the second
mate, and nine others, was split by the sea. She came along-
side, and we put the carpenter into her, who made what repairs
he could, but with litle hope of their answering. We then
proceeded to fasten a spray -cloth of canvas along our weather
gunwale, having lashed a bamboo four feet up the mast, and
fixed it on the intersection of two stancheons at the same
height above the stern. The spray-cloth was firmly lashed
along this, so as to form a kind of a half -pent roof ; and had
it not been for this imperfect defence we must have been
swamped, and we still shipped sea to so great an extent, that
four men were obliged to be kept constantly employed in
baling to keep her clear of water. Towards evening it blew
hard, with a tremendous sea ; and not thinking the other
damaged boat safe, we took in her crew and abandoned her.
We were now thirty-six persons, stowed as thick as we
could hold and obliged to throw over all superfluities. Wet^
crushed, and miserable, the night passed away, and the day
broke at last, and, though the weather was still very bad, I
again felt that hope, which had never entirely deserted me.
A tremendous sea came roaring down, and I held in my
breath with horror ; it broke right over our stern, wetted the
poor women to their throats, and carried away the steersman's
hat. The captain then cried out in a tone calculated to
inspire us with a confidence he afterwards told me his heart
did not re -echo — "That's nothing, it's all right, bale away^
my boys." He never expected us to live out that night, but
harassed as he was in mind and body, he gallantly stood up,,
and never, by word or deed, betrayed a feeling that might
tend to make us despair ; he stood on the bench that livelong
night, nor did he ever attempt to sleep for nearly forty-eight
hours.
The morning broke and passed away, and after the change
of the moon the weather began to be moderate, and we enjoyed
LOSS OF EARL OF ELDON. 359^
a comparative degree of comfort. We had three small meals-
of biscuit, and some jam, &c., and three half-pints of water
per day ; with brandy, if we liked it. The men had one gill
of spirits allowed them daily ; thus we had merely enough for
necessity, to which I am inclined to attribute our having the
state of good bodily health we enjoyed. We had plenty of
cigars, and whenever we could strike a light we had a smoke,
and I never found tobacco so great a luxury.
The ladies were most wretched, for they could not move,,
and any little alteration in their dress was only to be made
by spreading a curtain before them. Yet they never uttered
a repining word. On the thirteenth evening, we began to
look out for Eodrigue. The captain told us not to be too
sanguine, as his chronometer was not to be depended upon
after its late rough treatment.
The night fell, and I went forward to sleep, and about
twelve was awoke by the cry that land was right ahead. I
looked, and saw a strong loom of land through the mist. The
captain had the boat brought to, for an hour ; then made sail
towards it, and at half -past two it appeared still more strongly.
We then lay-to until daylight. I attempted to compose
myself to sleep, but my feelings were too strong, and after
some useless attempts, I sat down and smoked with a sensation
I had long been a stranger to. With the first light of dawn,
Eodrigue appeared right ahead, distant about six miles, and
by eight o'clock we were all safely landed.
A fisherman, who came off to show us the way through the
reefs, received us in his house, and proceeded to feed us, and
in the meantime sent to tell the gentlemen of the island of
our arrival. Two of them came down immediately, and having
heard our story, said that we had been miraculously pre-
served, and told us off" in two parcies, the married men to
one, and the single to the other ; the crew were taken inland
and encamped. They then gave our bundles to their negroes^
and took us to their houses, where everything they had was
set before us — clean linen and a plentiful dinner , and it was
ludicrous to see the manner in which fish, fowl, pork, biscuit,
and wine and brandy disappeared before us; at length,,
however, we came to a general conclusion, that eat any more
we could not. They shook us down four or five beds in an
out-house, and we tumbled into them, and enjoyed what vf&
had not known for the last fortnight — a sound sleep.
•360 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Loss OF H.M.S. PEMBROKE,
NEAR FORT ST. DAVID, IN THE EAST INDIES.
The melancholy fate of the Pembroke, of sixty guns, in which,
out of her whole crew, only twelve were saved, and 330
drowned, including her commander, Captain Fincher, and all
the officers, excepting a captain of marines, is truly deplorable.
The following particulars are given by an eye-witness, Mr.
Cambridge, the master.
About ten o'clock in the morning of the 13th of April, 1749,
it blew fresh, the wind at KE. by K, and a great sea began
to come in ; we having then a cable out, the captain ordered
half a cable more to be veered away. At one in the afternoon
it blew very hard, the wind at N.E.
At three o'clock I went to the captain, who was sick in his
-cabin, and asked him to go to sea. He seemed angry, and
said he could not, nor would he suffer any more cable to be
veered away. At the same time the ship rode hard, strained
much, and made water.
At five, the sea increasing, our cable parted, and we cast
her head off to sea. We immediately set the fore and mizen
sails, got on board the main-tack, and set our main -sail, fore
and mizen stay-sails ; at the same time some of our people
were heaving in the cable, for the captain would not have it
<jut. This took up some time. It blew so hard that the ship
<jould not bear any more sail.
At six, there being a great head sea, we made very little
way, the ship labouring and straining so much that we were
obliged to set both pumps to work. At half-past six our
main-sail split in pieces : we got down the yard, in order to
bend a new sail ; but it blowing hard, the ship lay down so
much that we could not get the sail to the yard. At eight,
the carpenter sent word to the captain, that the ship gained
upon them much, and had four feet of water in the hold.
At half-past eight our tiller broke short off the rudderhead,
and we likewise found one of the rudder chains broken ; the
sails we had now set were our fore-sail, mizen, and fore stay-
sails. The sea made a free passage over us, and the ship
being water-logged, we hauled up our fore-sail to ease her,
but expected to go down every minute. In hauling down
LOSS OF H.M.S. PEMBROKE.
our fore stay-sail, it split ; and as I looked aft from the fore-
castle, I saw the main and mizen masts gone, though I never
heard them go. By this time the ship righted much, and, in
about seven minutes the foremast went by the board, but the
bowsprit held fast. Our pumps were kept continually work-
ing. The third lieutenant being on the quarter-deck, sent
forward to me to clear and let go the small bower anchor,
which was immediately done. We found the ship drove
towards the shore very fast.
At half-past ten, we had eight feet water in the hold, and
kept all the pumps working. About eleven we found the
ship settle ; the depth of water twelve or fourteen fathoms.
The anchor then brought the ship up, but the cable parted in
a few minutes : then we let go the sheet-anchor, which was
all we had. The sea now making a free passage over us
again, broke iand tore away our boats and booms. The sheet
cable tore out with such violence, that no person could
venture near it till the clench brought up the ship ; but the
sea came with such force, and was so very high, that in the
hollow of the sea the ship struck, and the cable immediately
parted.
It was now near twelve o'clock ; the ship struck fore and
aft, but abaft very hard. The third lieutenant was near me
when the ship first struck, but I saw him no more afterwards.
I kept the forecastle, accompanied by the boatswain, cook^,
and about eight men more. I got myself lashed to the bitts
before the ship took heel, but shifted myself over to wind-
ward when she began to heel, and lashed myself as before ;
the sea continually beating over us. About two I saw the
captain's cabin washed away, and the ship almost on her
broadside.
When day -light came, we were sixteen men on the fore-
castle, and four hanging abaft to the timber heads ; but threfr
of the latter got on a piece of the wreck which was loose, and
drove away ; the other was drowned. All this time the sea
came over us in a dreadful manner, so that we could scarcely
take breath.
About eight o'clock, nine men were washed off the fore-
castle. We could now see the trees on shore between the
seas. At nine the boatswain and cook were washed away
from each side of me, on which I removed to the cat-head, as
did likewise another man. About ten all our men were washed
away, excepting those who were lashed to the cathead. We
M2 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
judged that we were about two miles off the shore ; we con«
tinued there all the day, the sea beating over us incessantly,
so that we had little time to fetch breath, or to speak to one
another. At noon we found the sea come every way upon us,
and could perceive that the wind having shifted was the cause
of it. This part of the wreck kept together, but night coming
on, we had a dismal prospect before us, without any hopes of
relief. About midnight the sea abated, so that we could
.«peak to one another, for the space of two or three minutes
together.
At day-light next morning I found myself much weaker
and very thirsty. The sea at this time came over us once in
-a quarter of an hour. We found the wreck much nearer the
^shore than yesterday. About two or three o'clock we saw
two paddy-boats coming along shore, about a mile without us.
We spread out a handkerchief, which I had about my neck,
that the boats might see us. One of them seemed to edge to-
wards us for some minutes, and hauled off again. We then
saw several catamarans near the shore, which we judged to
Tdc fishing. We spread abroad the handkerchief again, but
none of them approached us. Soon afterwards we saw several
persons gather together on the shore ; the sun began to grow
low, so that we judged it to be about 5 o'clock. At last, we
•flaw two of the catamarans above mentioned coming towards
us, with three black men on each, who took us off the wreck,
-and carried us on shore.
As soon as we were landed, we found ourselves surrounded
by about three hundred armed men. My companion told me
we had fallen into the hands of the Mahrattas, who were at
this time at war with the English. They ordered us to come
*off the catamarans. I strove to rise, but I found myself so
weak, and my legs so terribly bruised, that I could not get
up, on which some of them came and lifted me off, and laid
me upon the sand, for I was unable to stand. I made a
signal to them that I wanted some water to drink, but they
gave me none, and only laughed at our condition. Their
commander ordered them to strip us, which they did quite
naked. As I was not able to walk, they led us part of the way
to Davecotta, a fort belonging to them, and there put us into
a canoe, and carried us up a river to the walls of the fort.
About ten that night they put us within the walls, and laid
us on the ground, where we had nothing to cover us but the
(heavens; and, about eleven, brought us a little rice, with
LOSS OF H.M.S. PEMBROKE. 365
fiome water. Great numbers of people gathered round us,
laughed at us, and expressed great contempt and derision.
The country people flocked daily to the fort to see us, but
none of them showed us the least pity ; on the contrary, they
laughed, and threatened us with death. "We slept very little
the first night on account of the cold, and the risk we ran of
our lives, these barbarians having signified that they would
cut us in pieces with their sabres. When day-light appeared,
and the gates were opened, I was very ill. I had a dysentery,
And my legs swelled so much, that I concluded I had not long
to live, at least if I did not receive some relief. I acquainted
my comrade with my situation ; and begged him, if he should
«ver be so fortunate as to return to England, to inform my
friends in what manner I had terminated my career. Some
days we received rice, and others we had none. On the
seventh day they gave me some lamp-oil, with which I
fomented my legs, and this simple application afforded me
■considerable relief.
About four o'clock on the fifteenth day, they carried us
about twelve miles to their king, who was encamped against
our company's troops. That prince examined us a long time,
and inquired whether we were officers ; I replied in the nega-
tive, conceiving that acknowledgment of that kind would
render our escape much more difficult. He was desirous
that we should enter into his service, but we told him, by
means of the interpreters, who were three Dutchmen, that
we could not consent to it. He promised we should want for
nothing if we would accept his offers, but we persisted in re-
plying that we were too ill to be capable of serving. He
ordered refreshment to be given us, of which we stood in
great need, having scarcely taken any nourishment since the
day we fell into the hands of his subjects. The interpreters
asked us whether we chose to enter into the king's service,
or to go to prison ; to which we answered, that we could not
resolve to fight against our countrymen.
At sun-set we departed. Our conductors having halted till
three o'clock in the morning, we again set out, and continued
our march till noon, when they again stopped two hours to
take some refreshment, and afterwards directed their course 1
to the south-west. We arrived that night at a fort, and were
immediately put into a dungeon. There we found two other
prisoners, one of them our shipmate, and the other a deserter
irom the company's troops.
364 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
The next morning they opened the gates, and made signs
to us to come out. My companions complied, but I chose
rather to stay where I was, as I found myself extremely weak^
and my legs were covered with ulcers. I begged them to give
me a little lamp oil to foment them, which they did. Our
only nourishment was water and a quart of rice a day, though
there were four of us, and a small pot of grease instead of
butter. I rubbed my legs with the oil and grease, and on the
fourth day found myself much better, which gave me fresh
spirits. We were permitted to walk morning and evening
before the dungeon.
In about three weeks my legs were almost well, so that I
was able to walk. We now began to entertain some hopes of
making our escape, and taking an opportunity, I, with some
difficulty, got high enough upon the wall to look ever it, and
found it was very lofty, and surrounded with a wide moat or
ditch ; but there was a path between the wall and the ditch
so that we might choose our place to swim over, if it proved
deep. We got, at several times, some strands of rope, off the
dooleys which they had carried us in, as they happened to be
left within the bounds of our liberty ; and in a few days col-
lected so many pieces, that when knotted together made seven
fathoms and a half.
After some consultation, we resolved to undermine the
foundation of the dungeon, at the farthest part from the
guards ; and on the 27th of May began to work, On the 1st
of June, we came to the foundation, being six feet deep, and
the wall thirty inches through. In two days* time, we had
worked upwards on the other side so far, that the light began
to appear through the surface, so that we let everything
remain till night. At seven, it beginning to grow dark, they
put us into the dungeon as usual, and soon afterwards we
worked ourselves quite out. Without being discovered, we
got over the wall by the help of our rope, and, in less than
half an hour, had crossed the moat, though very wide and
deep. We travelled all night, we judged about sixteen miles,
and in the day hid ourselves among the bushes.
The second night we travelled as before, to the S.E., and
day coming on, we concealed ourselves among the bushes.
About three in the afternoon, we were discovered, which
obliged us to go on, Imt we were not molested. We proceeded
till about midnight, and then lay down till day -break. I had
a fever, and was extremely weak for want of food. This da,y.
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 365
which was the third, we resolved to travel till noon, and to
plunder the first house we might chance to meet with. But
Providence was more favourable to us than we could have
expected ; for about ten o'clock, we met a cooley, who told us
he would show us the way to Caracal. About noon, we
arrived there, and were received with the greatest humanity:
but my fever was not at all abated. The next morning, the
governor sent Mr. Boscawen to let him know we were there,
and by the return of the messenger, the admiral desired we
might be furnished with what money we wanted. In twelve
days we found ourselves well recovered, went to Tranquebar,
a place belonging to the Danes, where we stayed three days,
and got a passage for Fort St. David, where we arrived on
the 23rd of Juna
LOSS OF
THE SPARROW-HAWK,
IN THE SEA OF COREA.
The following interesting details of the loss of the Sparrow-
hawk, and the extraordinary captivity of the crew, are given
by the purser, Henry Hamel, in an account which he published
immediately after his return to Holland. The authenticity
of the facts related by him cannot reasonably be doubted,
because they correspond with the declarations of the seven
Dutchmen who returned with him, and likewise agree with
what we find in Palafox, and other historians, relative to the
invasion of China by the Tartars.
On the 10th of January, 1653, the ship Sparrow-hawk,
with a crew of sixty-four men, laden on account of the Dutch
East-India Company, sailed from the Texel under the com-
mand of Captain Eybertz, of Amsterdam. After encountering
several storms and other accidents on the voyage, she arrived
on the 1st of June, in the road of Batavia.
On the 14th of the same month, having taken in provisions,
they, by order of the governor-general, set sail for Tay-wan,
in the island of Formosa, where they came to an anchor on
24
366 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the 16th of July. The ship had on board Cornelius Lessen,
who was going to assume the government of that place and
island, instead of Nicholas Verbuge. On the 30th, an order
of council obliged them to depart for Japan. In the evening
of the ensuing day, as they left the Channel of Formosa, they
were overtaken by a storm, which continued with increased
violence all night.
In the morning of the 1st of August they were very near a
email island, where they cast anchor with great difficulty,
because in almost every part of the sea no bottom can be found.
When the fog dispersed, they were surprised to find them-
selves so near the coast of China, that they could easily
distinguish on the shore armed men, who appeared to be
waiting in order to make prize of the wreck of the ship ; but
though the storm continued to increase, they passed all that
night and the next day in the same place within sight of the
people who were watching them. On the third, they found
that the tempest had driven them twenty leagues out of
their course, and they were still in sight of Formosa. They
passed between that island and the continent. The weather
was very cold. They had the mortification of being detained
in that channel till the 11th of the same month, by a succes-
sion of contrary winds and calms. At length, a south-east
wind, which blew a fresh tempest with violent rain, obliged
them to stand to N. E. J N. The weather became still more
tempestuous during the three following days, and the wind
shifted so often, that they were continually employed in
setting and taking in the sails.
In this situation, the continual rolling of the sea had greatly
injured the ship, and the rain, which had never ceased, pre-
venting them from making observations ; they were obliged to
strike all their sails, and resign themselves to the impulse of
the winds and waves. On the 15th, the ship made so much
water that she became unmanageable. The following night,
the shallow, and the greatest part of the gallery, were carried
away by the fury of the waves, which shattered her bowsprit,
and damaged the head of the ship. The squalls were so violent,
and followed so close upon each other, that it was impossible
to repair these injuries. At length, a sea which broke on
board had well nit^h swept away all the seamen that were
upon deck, and tilled the vessel in such a manner that the
xaptain ordered the mast to be cut away, telling the men,
at the same time, to implore the assistance of Heaven, as
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 367
one or two more such seas would infallibly whelm the ship
into destruction.
They were reduced to this extremity, when, in the second
watch, the man looking out at the head of the ship, cried
" Land ! land ! " declaring that they were within musket-shot
of the shore. The raiu and excessive darkness had prevented
him from seeing it sooner. It was impossible to come to an
anchor, because they could find no bottom, and while they
were in vain endeavouring to effect this, such a prodigious
sea broke over the ship, that all those who were in the hold
were drowned before they could make their escape. Some
of those who were on deck, leaped overboard, and others were
carried away by the waves ; fifteen reached the shore together,
most of them naked and dreadfully bruised. They at first
supposed that all the rest had perished ; but, having climbed
the rocks, they heard the voices of several who were uttering
doleful cries. The next morning, by shouting and seeking
iilong the shore, they picked up several who were dispersed
on the sands. Out of sixty-four, they found that thirty-
six had escaped, most of whom were dangerously wounded.
On surveying the fragments of the wreck, they discovered
one of their companions caught between two planks, which
had jammed him in such a manner, that he lived only three
hours after he was disengaged. Of all those who had the
misfortune to perish, they found only Captain Eybertz,
-extended on the sand, ten or twelve fathoms from the water,
with his head resting on his arm. They interred him. Out
of all their provisions, the sea had cast on shore only a sack
of flour, a cask of salt meat, a small quantity of bacon, and a
barrel of red wine. They had no small embarrassment how
to make a fire ; for supposing themselves in a desert island,
they had no other resource than their own industry. The
wind and rain having abated towards evening, they collected
sufficient wood to form a covering with the sails which they
had been able to save from the wreck.
On the 17th, they were deploring their situation, sometimes
lamenting that not a single human creature made his appear-
ance, and sometimes flattered themselves that they were not
far from Japan, when they discovered, within cannon shot, a
man, whom they called by making different signs, but who
betook himself to flight as soon as he perceived them. In the
afternoon they saw three others, one of whom was armed
with a musket, and the two others with arrows. These
368 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
strangers approached within gun-shot ; but observing that
the Dutch advanced towards them, they turned back, not-
withstanding the unfortunate seamen endeavoured, by signs,
to make them understand that they wanted nothing but
fire.
Some of the Dutch having, at length, found means to come
up to them, had no difficulty to persuade him, who had the
musket, to give it them ; and, with its assistance, they soon
kindled a fire. These three men were dressed in the Chinese
fashion, excepting their caps, which were made of horse-
hair, and the Dutch were apprehensive lest they might be
savage Chinese, or pirates of that nation. Towards evening
about one hundred armed men, dressed like the others, made
their appearance; and, after counting the unfortunate sea-
men, they kept them in close confinement during the whole
night.
At noon, the next day, about two thousand men, both horse
and foot, drew up before their tent or hut, in order of battle.
The purser, the two pilots, and a cabin-boy, without hesitation
went out to them. They were conducted to the commandant,
who ordered a thick iron chain with a small bell to be put
round their necks, and then obliged them to prostrate
themselves before him. Those who had remained in the hut
were treated in the same manner, while the islanders testified
their applause by loud shouts. After making them remain
for some time prostrate on their faces, they were commanded,
by signs, to kneel. Several questions were asked which they
could not understand, nor were they more successful in
explaining to the islanders that they were bound to Japan.
The commandant, at length, despairing of understanding them,
ordered a cup of arrack to be brought, which was presented
to them in turn, and sent them back to their tent. He
inquired what provisions they had left, and soon after a
quantity of rice boiled in water was brought them. But
as it was supposed that they were perishing of hunger,
the strangers, at first, gave them a small portion, fearing
lest eating to excess might prove pernicious to them.
In the afternoon the Dutch were surprised to see several,
of these barbarians coming with cords in their hands, which
they concluded were for the purpose of strangling them.
But their fears were soon dispelled, when they observed
them run towards the wreck of the ship, to draw to shore
whatever might be of use to them. The pilot having takea
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 369
an observation, judged that they were in the island of
Quelpaert, situated in the sea of Corea, in latitude 33 deg. 32
min.
The islanders employed themselves on the 19th in hauling
on shore all the fragments of the wreck, drying the linen
and woollen cloth, and burning the wood, to get at the iron,
which is in great request among them. As a familiarity
began to take place, the Dutch went out to the commandant
of the forces, and to the admiral of the islanders, who had
approached the tent, and presented to each of them a telescope
and a bottle of red wine. The captain's silver cup having
been found among the rocks, they likewise offered that to the
two officers. The telescopes and wine were accepted, they
even seemed to relish the latter: for they drank so much
that they could by no means conceal its effects ; but the cup
they returned with many testimonies of friendship.
On the 20th, they finished burning the timber of the ship,
and extracting the iron- work. During this operation, the fire
having approached two guns loaded with ball, they went off
with such a report, that all the islanders betook themselves to
flight, and durst not venture to return till the Dutch encou-
Taged them by signs. The same day, the latter received two
supplies of rice. The following morning the commandant
desired them, by signs, to bring all they had saved from the
wreck into their tent, for the purpose of putting a seal upon
it, and this formality was performed in their presence. At
the same moment, several of the islanders were brought, who
had converted to their own use iron, leather, and other things
belonging to the vessel. He ordered them to be punished on
the spot, to show the strangers that the natives had no design
either upon their persons or their property. Each of the
culprits received thirty or forty strokes on the soles of the
feet, with a stick six feet long, and as thick as a man's arm.
This punishment was so severe, that some of the poor wretches
lost their toes in consequence of it.
About noon, the Dutch were given to understand that they
must prepare to depart. Horses were provided for those who
were in heath, and the sick, were carried in hammocks. They
set off, attended by a numerous escort of horse and foot.
Having proceeded four leagues, they stopped for the night
at a small town, called Tadiane, where they made a light
supper, and were lodged in a building which had the appear-
ance of a stable. The 22nd, at day-break, having set off in
370 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
the same order as on the preceding day, they reached a small
fort, near which they observed two galliots. They dined
there, and in the evening arrived at Maggan or Mokso, the town
in which the governor of the island resides. Here they were
conducted to a square, opposite the town-house, in which they
found about three thousand men under arms. Some of the
natives came and offered them water ; but seeing them armed
in a terrible manner, the Dutch imagined that they had a
design to murder them. The clothing of these barbarian
soldiers was calculated to aggravate their apprehensions, having
in it something terrific, which is not seen either in China or
Japan.
The purser was conducted to the governor, together with
some of his companions. They prostrated themselves for some
time near a kind of balcony, where he was greeted like a
sovereign prince. The others were then directed, by signs,
to pay him the same honours. He then asked, by different
signs, whence they came, and what was the object of their
voyage. They replied that they were Dutchmen, and were
bound to Nangazaki, in Japan. The governor, by a sign with
his head, testified that he understood something of their
answer, after which he passed them in review, four at a time,
and having put the same question to them successively, he
ordered them to be carried to a building in which the king's
uncle, accused of a design to deprive his nephew of the crown,
had been confined till his death.
As soon as they had all entered this prison, it was surrounded
by armed men. They each received, daily, twelve ounces of
rice, and the same quantity of wheat flour, but scarcely any-
thing more; and whatever was offered them was so badly
prepared, that they could scarcely touch it. They were thus
reduced to live on rice, flour, and salt, and had nothing but
water to drink. The governor, who appeared to be about
seventy years old, was a very sensible man, and highly
esteemed at court. On dismissing them he signified that he
would write to the king, to know his intentions respecting
them, but that it would, probably, be some time before the
answer arrived, because the court was eighty leagues distant.
They requested him to allow them, sometimes, a little meat,
and other kinds of food, and to permit them to go out daily,
six at a time, to take the air and wash their linen. He not
only granted this favour, but even did them the honour to
send frequently for some of them whom he desired to write
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 371
before him, either in Dutch or in his own language ; so that
they began to understand some of the expressions of the
country. The satisfaction which the worthy governor ap-
peared to take in conversing with them, and even in procur-
ing them little amusements, produced a hope that they might
sooner or later get to Japan. He bestowed so much attention
on the sick, that, as Hamel declares, they were better treated
by these idolaters than they would have been by Christians.
The 29th of October, the purser, pilot, and surgeon's boy,
were conducted to the governor. They found a man seated
with him, who had a thick red beard. " What do you take
that man to be?" asked the governor. They replied that
they thought he was a Dutchman. "You are mistaken,"
replied he, laughing, " he is a Corean." After some farther
conversation, this man, who, till then had been silent, asked,
in Dutch, " who, and of what country they were ? " They
satisfied his curiosity ; at the same time giving a brief account
of their misfortune. They, in their turn, asked him the same
questions, upon which he informed them " That his name was
John Wettevri ; that he was a native of Zyp, in Holland,
which he left in 1626, in quality of a volunteer; that the
year following, in a voyage he was making to Japan, in the
frigate Ouverkerk, he had been driven on the coast of Corea ;
that the ship being in want of water, he and some others had
been sent on shore to procure a supply, when he was taken
prisoner by the natives, together with two of his companions,
Theodore Gerard and John Pieters, who had been killed in
battle in an invasion of Corea, by the Tartars, seventeen or
eighteen years before ; that he was fifty-eight years old, and
residing in the capital of the kingdom ; the king had commis-
sioned him to go and inquire who they were, and what had
brought them into his dominions." He added " That he had
frequently requested permission of the king to go to Japan ; "
but all the answer he could get from that prince was the
assurance '* That he should never go excepting he had wings
to fly thither ; that it was the custom of the country to detain
all strangers but not to suffer them to want anything : and
that they would be supplied with clothing and food during
their lives."
This intelligence could not be very agreeable to the Dutch ;
but their joy at meeting with such a good interpreter dis-
pelled their melancholy. Wettevri had, however, so far for-
gotten his native language, that they had at first considerable
372 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
difficulty to understand him ; and it took him a whole month
to collect his ideas. The governor directed all their deposi-
tions to be formally taken down, and sent them to the king ;
desiring the Dutch not to be discouraged, as a speedy answer
would be returned. Besides this, he granted them every day
new favours ; Wettevri, and the officers who accompanied
him, had liberty, at all times to see him and to inform him
of their wants.
In the beginning of December, the three years of their
benefactor's administration being expired, a new governor
arrived. Here the author is at a loss for express^ions to con-
vey his sentiments. It can scarcely be imagined, he says,
what testimonies of kindness the Dutch received from their
generous protector previous to his departure. Seeing them
but ill provided for the winter, he made for each of them two
pairs of shoes, a suit of clothes, well lined, and a pair of stock-
ings of skin. These favours he accompanied with the most
affectionate caresses, declaring he was extremely sorry he
could not send them to Japan, or take them with him to the
continent. He told them not to be alarmed at his departure ;
for, on his arrival at court, he would employ all his influence
to obtain their liberty, or at least permission for them to
follow him. He restored to them the books which they had
saved from the wreck, and many of their things, to which he
added a bottle of very valuable oil. He likewise prevailed
on the new governor, who had already reduced them to rice,
salt, and water, to allow them rather better food.
After his departure, which happened in the month of
January, 1654, they were treated with greater severity than
ever. Barley was given them instead of rice, and barley meal
instead of wheat flour. They were obliged to sell their barley
in order to purchase other food. This rigour, and mortifica-
tion at seeing that no order arrived from the king for their
removal to the capital, caused them to form a plan for their
escape the ensuing spring. After having long deliberated on
the means of seizing a bark under the cover of night, six of
them formed the resolution of executing this design about the
end of the month of April. But the boldest of them having
ascended a wall, to ascertain the place where the vessel lay,
was perceived by some dogs, which, by their barking, gave
the alarm to the guard.
At the beginning of May, the pilot having been permitted
to go abroad with aix of his companions, discovered as they
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 373
were passing through a little village near the town, a bark
tolerably well equipped, without any person to take care of
her. He immediately despatched one of the number to take
a small boat and a few short planks which he saw on the
shore. Then having each taken a glass of water they went
on board the bark, without any further precaution. While
they were endeavouring to get the vessel over a small sand
bank, which lay across the passage, some of the natives per-
ceived their design, and one of them ran into the water with
A musket, to oblige them to return. They were little terrified
by his menaces, excepting one, who, being unable to get on
board as soon as the rest, was obliged to go back to the shore.
The five others endeavoured to set the sail, when both the
masts and sail fell into the water. They recovered them with
considerable difficulty ; but when they again attempted to set
the sail the mast broke off short at the bottom. These delays
gave the natives time to put off in another bark ; they soon
overtook the fugitives, who, undaunted either by their
numbers or their arms, boldly leaped into the enemy's vessel,
which they flattered themselves they should be able to seize ;
but finding it full of water, and in an unserviceable state,
they at length submitted.
They were taken before the governor, who ordered them
first to be laid flat on the ground, and their hands tied to a
thick log of wood. He then directed the others, likewise
bound and ironed, to be brought before him, and inquired of
the six fugitives if their companions had any knowledge of
their flight, to which they replied in a firm tone in the nega-
tive. Wettevri was ordered to find out what was their design.
They protested they had no other intention than to go to
Japan. " What," said the governor, " durst you have ventured
upon such a voyage without bread or water ?" They natur-
ally told him " That they would rather run the risk of dying
once for all, than die every moment." Upon this, each of the
unfortunate men received twenty-five strokes on the bare
posteriors with a stick six feet long, four inches broad, and
one thick, flat on the side with which the stroke is applied,
And round on the other. The blows were given with such
violence that they kept their beds above a month afterwards.
The governor ordered the others to be unbound ; but they
were more closely confined, and guarded night and day.
The island of Quelpaert, called by the natives Chesnre, is
situated twelve or thirteen leagues south of Corea and is
374 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
twelve or thirteen leagues in circumference. On the north
side there is a bay, where several barks are always to be met
with, and from this place they sailed for the continent. The
coast of Corea is dangerous of access to those who are not
acquainted with it, because it has only one harbour where
ships lie in security. In all the others they frequently run
the risk of being driven on the coast of Japan. Quelpaert ia
surrounded by rocks. It produces horses and other cattle in
abundance ; but as it pays the king considerable imposts,
which keep it very poor, it is despised by the Coreans of the
continent. It contains one very lofty mountain, covered with
wood, and numerous hills quite naked, and interspersed with
valleys abounding in rice.
At the end of May, the governor received an order to send
the Dutch to the royal residence. Six or seven days after-
wards they were put on board four barks, with their legs in
irons, and their right hands fastened to blocks of wood. It
was apprehended they would throw themselves overboard, as-
they might easily have done, all the soldiers who guarded
them being so ill from sea sickness.
After struggling two days with contrary winds, they were
driven back to the island of Quelpaert, where the governor
took off their irons, and remanded them to prison. Four or
five days afterwards, having re-embarked very early, they
reached the continent towards evening, and were obliged to
pass the night in the road. They landed the next day, and
their chains were taken off though not without the precaution
of doubling their guard. They were provided with horses, on
which they were conducted to the town of Hay nam. There
they had all the pleasure of meeting together ; for, having
been separated by the wind, they had landed in different
places.
On the morning of the following day, they arrived at the
town of Seham, where the gunner, who had not been in good
health since the shipwreck, expired, and was interred by the
order of the governor. After travelling several days, and
passing through a great number of towns, they crossed a river
which appeared to be as broad as the Mouse at Dort ; and a.
league beyond it they arrived at Sior, the capital of the king-
dom. From their landing till they reached that place they
reckoned 74 leagues, their route being always northward, but
inclining a little to the west. During the first two or three
days, they were lodged in the same house. They were after-
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 375^
wards separated, and placed three or four together in small
huts, in the quarter of Sior inhabited by the Chinese. They
were conducted in a body to the king, who, having interro-
gated them through the medium of Wettevri, they humbly
implored him to transport them to Japan ; whence, with the-
assistance of the Dutch, settled there for the purposes of com-
merce, they hoped one day to be able to return to their native
land. The king replied, that the laws of Corea prohibited
him to permit strangers to depart ; but that care would be
taken to supply all their wants. He then ordered them to
perform in his presence those exercises at which they were
most expert, such as dancing, leaping, and singing ; after
which he directed some refreshment to be brought, and pre-
sented each with two pieces of cloth, that they might dress
themselves in the manner of the Coreans.
The next day they were conducted to the general of the
forces, who informed them, through Wettevri, that the king
had admitted them into the number of his body guard, and in
that quality they would be furnished monthly with 70
measures of rice. Each received a paper containing his name,
his age, his country, the profession he had till then exercised,
and that which he had adopted in the service of the king of
Corea. This patent was in Corean characters, and was sealed
with the king's seal, and likewise that of the general, which
were nothing more than the impression of a hot iron. With
their commission, they each received a musket, powder, and
ball. They were ordered to fire a discharge with their arms,
the first and fourth day of every month, in the presence of
the general, and hold themselves in constant readiness ta
march with him, both to accompany the king, and on other
occasions. The general has three reviews a month, and the
soldiers are exercised by themselves. The Dutch were still
thirty-five in number. A Chinese and Wettevri were
appointed to command them, the first in quality of serjeant,.
and the other to keep an eye upon their conduct, and to teach
them the customs of the Coreans.
Curiosity induced most of the great men belonging to the
court to invite them to dinner, that they might enjoy the
satisfaction of seeing them perform the military exercise, and
dance in the Dutch manner. The women and children were-
still more impatient to see them : a report having been pro-
pagated that they were monsters of deformity, and that, ia
order to drink, they were obliged to fasten their noses behind
S7^ VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
their ears. Their astonishment, however, was so much the
greater when they saw they were handsomer than the natives
of the country. The whiteness of their complexion was
particularly admired. The crowd that flocked about them
was so great, that during the first days they could scarcely
pass through the streets, or enjoy a moment's rest in their
huts. At length, the general was obliged to check this
curiosity by forbidding any one to approach their lodging
without his permission. This regulation was the more
necessary, as even the slaves of the nobility had the audacity
to make them leave their huts for their amusement.
In the month of August a Tartar ambassador came to
demand the tribute. The author, without explaining the
motives of the king, says, that he was obliged to send the
Dutch to a large fortress, six or seven leagues from Sior, and
to keep them till the departure of the minister, which took
place the following month.
Towards the conclusion of November, the cold became so
intense that the river was frozen, and three hundred loaded
horses passed over on the ice at one time. The general being
alarmed for the Dutch, mentioned his fears to the king.
Some half -rotten leather which they had saved from their
shipwreck was distributed among them that they might sell
it and buy clothes with its produce. Two or three laid out
the money they obtained in this manner in the purchase of a
small hut, which cost them nine or ten crowns. They chose
rather to endure cold than to be continually tormented by
their hosts, who sent them to collect wood in the mountains,
three or four leagues distant from the town. The others
having procured the best clothes they were able, passed the
rest of the winter as they had done many others.
The Tartarian envoy having returned to Sior in March,
1665, they were forbidden, under pain of very severe punish-
ment, to set foot out of their habitations. Nevertheless on
the day of his departure, Henry Jans and Henry John Bos
resolved to present themselves before him on the way, under
the pretext of going out for wood. As soon as they saw him
appear at the head of his retinue, they approached his horse,
and taking the reins in one hand they drew aside their Corean
habits, showing him their European dress underneath them.
This incident at first caused great confusion in the troops.
The ambassador was very inquisitive to know who they were ;
but being unable to understand them, he ordered them by
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 377
signs to follow him. At night, having inquired for an.
interpreter, "Wettevri was mentioned, and he immediately
sent for him.
"Wettevri did not fail to apprize the king of the whole cir-
cumstance. A council was held, in which it was resolved
to make a present to the envoy to prevent the affair from
reaching the ears of the Khan. The two Dutchmen were
brought to Sior, and confined in a close prison where they did
not live long. Their companions, who never saw them again,,
were ignorant whether they died a natural or a violent death.
After the return of these two poor wretches, all the others
were carried before the council of war to be examined. They
were asked whether they had any knowledge of the flight of
their companions, their disavowal of which did not prevent
their being condemned each to receive fifty strokes on the
soles of the feet. The king, however, pardoned them, declar-
ing, at the same time, that they ought rather to be considered
as vagabonds, ill-disposed towards the country, than as un-
fortunate strangers whom tempests had cast on the shore of
his kingdom. They were sent back to their huts, with the
prohibition not to leave them without the king's permission.
In the month of June, the general informed them, by their
interpreter, that a vessel having been wrecked on the island
of Quelpaert, and Wettevri being too old to undertake a
voyage thither, three of them who best understood the Corean
language must prepare to set off for Quelpaert, where they
were to observe the circumstances of the shipwreck, and give
an account of it to the court. On receiving this order, the
mate, the second pilot, and a gunner, set off two days after-
wards. The Tartar ambassador returned in the month of
August, and the Dutch were again ordered not to leave their
quarters till three days after his departure, on pain of the
severest punishment. The day before his arrival they received
a letter from their companions, who informed them that
instead of being conducted to the island of Quelpaert, they
were closely confined on the southern frontier of the kingdom,
that if the Khan should hear of the death of the two others,
and demand the remainder to be delivered up to him, the
Coreans might be able to reply, that three had perished in
the voyage to Quelpaert.
The same ambassador returned towards the conclusion of
the year. Though he had come twice on the part of the great
Khan, since the unfortunate adventure of the two Dutchmen,.
578 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
'without having mentioned that circumstance, yet most of the
Corean lords endeavoured to persuade the king to make away
with the others. On this subject a council was held which
lasted three days. But the king, the prince his brother, the
general, and some others, opposed such an atrocious design,
which sooner or later might come to the knowledge of the
great Khan. The general proposed to make them fight each
with two Coreans, with the same arms. By that method, he
said the king might get rid of them, without being liable to
the accusation of having murdered these poor strangers.
They were secretly informed by some charitable persons, what
was in agitation. The king's brother passing by their quarter,
von his way to the council, at which he presided, they threw
themselves at his knees, imploring his favour, and inspired
him with such compassion that he became their protector.
Thus they owed their lives only to his solicitations and the
humanity of the king. Many, however, seeming offended at
their indulgence ; it was resolved, in order to protect them
from the malice of their enemies, and to conceal them from
the Tartars, to banish them to the province of Thillado, with
a monthly allowance of fifty pounds of rice.
In consequence of this resolution they left Sior on horse-
back, in the month of March, 1657, under the conduct of a
Serjeant. Wettevri accompanied them about a league, as far
-as the river which they had crossed in coming from Quelpaert.
They re-visited most of the towns through which they had
passed in the same journey. They at length arrived at a
considerable town called Dia-siong or Thillapening, which is
<jommanded by a large citadel, the residence of an ofticer who
possesses the supreme authority in the governor's absence,
and is styled the colonel of the province. The sergeant who
accompanied them delivered them up to this officer, together
with the king's letters. He was then ordered to go and fetch
their three companions who had left Sior the preceding year,
and who were not above twelve leagues from Dia-sion^, in a
town where the admiral had the command. They were lodged
together to the number of thirty-three in a public edifice.
In the month of April some leather was brought them,
which had till then remained at Quelpaert, from which they
were only eighteen leagues distant. The only labour requireil
of them was twice a month to pull up the grass that grew in
the square of the castle. The governor, who treated them
with great kindness, as did all the inhabitants of the town,
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 379
was sent for to court to reply to some accusations which
endangered his life. But being beloved by the people and
supported by most of the great men, he was sent back with
honour. His successor treated the Dutch with less humanity.
He obliged them to go and fetch wood from a mountain three
leagues from the town, after being accumstomed to have it
brought for them. An apoplexy delivered them from this
odious master in the month of September following.
They were, however, not much better off under his successor.
When they asked him for cloth, at the same time showing
him their clothes worn out with their laborious occupations,
he informed them that he had received no orders from the
king on that head ; that he was not obliged to furnish them
with anything but rice, and that all their wants they them-
selves must supply. They then requested permission to go
out alternately to ask charity, representing to him that naked
as they were, and their labour producing only a little salt and
rice, it was impossible for them to procure a subsistence.
This favour was granted, and they soon had sufficient to
protect themselves from the cold.
At the beginning of the year 1658 they experienced fresh
mortifications, on the arrival of a new governor. They were
-deprived of the liberty of going out of the town. The governor
told them that if they would work for him he would give
each of them three pieces of cotton ; but this proposal they
humbly rejected, knowing that his work would wear out
more clothes than the stuff he offered them would make.
In this situation some of them being attacked with a fever,
the terror of the inhabitants at the name of that disorder
procured them permission to beg, on condition that they
should never be absent from the town above a fortnight or
three weeks, and that they should neither go towards the
capital nor towards Japan. As only half their number were
allowed this indulgence, those who remained in the town were
ordered to take care of the sick, and to pull up the grass in
the public square.
The king dying in the month of April, his son, with the
consent of the great Khan, ascended the throne. The Dutch
continued to beg, especially among the priests and monks of
the country, who were extremely charitable, and were never
weary of hearing them relate their adventures, and describe
the customs of their native land. The governor, who arrived
in 1660, showed them great kindness, frequently regretting
380 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
that he could not send them to Holland, or at least to some
place frequented by the Dutch. The drought was so great
this year, that provisions became extremely scarce. This
calamity increasing in the following year, great numbers of
robbers infested all the high roads, notwithstanding the vigour
with which they were pursued by the king's command, and
hundreds of the people perished of hunger. The famine be-
came so pressing that several villages were plundered, and
even the royal stores were not spared. These disorders, how-
ever, remained unpunished, because the offenders were slaves
of the court. This scarcity continued till 1662 : and it was
even felt in the following year. The town of Dia-siong, where
the Dutch still resided, was no longer capable of furnishing
provisions for them ; upon which an order arrived from tha
king to distribute part of them between two other towns.
Twelve were therefore sent to Saysiane, five to Siunschien,
and five to Nam-man, sixteen leagues farther off. This se-
paration was at first very afflicting, but it afforded them an
opportunity for their escape, as we shall find in the sequel.
They set off on foot, the sick only and their baggage being
carried by horses, with which they were gratuitously furnished.
The first and second night they lodged together in the same
town. The third day they arrived at Siunschien, where the
five, who were destined to remain there, were left. The fifth
day at noon the others arrived at Saysiane. Their guides
delivered them to the governor or admiral of the province of
Thillado, who resided in that town. This officer appeared ta
possess distinguished merit ; but he was soon succeeded by
another, who treated them with great harshness. The highest
favour he granted them was, the permission to cut wood, with
which they made arrows for his people. The servants of the
Corean lords have no other occupation than shooting with
bows and arrows, because their masters are proud of having
in their service excellent archers.
At the beginning of winter, the Dutch requested of the
new governor permission to beg, in order to procure clothes ;
and he allowed half their number to be absent three days at
a time. This permission was of the greater advantage to them
as the principal inhabitants of the town, through motives of
compassion, were favourable to their rambles, which were
prolonged sometimes to a whole month. All that they col-
lected was divided in common. This kind of life they
continued to lead, till the recall of the governor, who was
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 381
appointed general of the royal troops, which is the second
dignity in the kingdom. His successor greatly alleviated the
situation of the Dutch at Saysiane, giving orders that they
should be treated in the same manner as their countrymen
at the other towns. They were relieved from all laborious
occupation, and were obliged only to appear in review twice
a month, to stay at home alternately, or at least to acquaint
the secretary whither they were going, when they had per-
mission to go abroad.
Among many other favours, this governor sometimes sent
them victuals from his table ; and, touched by their misfor-
tunes, he asked them why, being so near the sea, they did not
attempt to get to Japan. They replied, that they durst not
run the risk of incurring the king's displeasure : adding, they
were unacquainted with the way, and had not any vessel —
"What," replied he, "are there not barks enough on the coast?"
The Dutch answered with affected honesty, " that they did
not belong to them, and that if they failed in the enterprize,
they would be treated as robbers and deserters." The gover-
nor laughed at their scruples, little imagining that they held
this language only to silence his suspicions, and that they
were day and night contriving the means of procuring a bark.
The author here observes " that the Dutch were revenged of
the preceding governor. He held his dignity only four months,
and being accused of having condemned to death several
persons of different rank on insufficient grounds, he was
sentenced by the king to receive ninety strokes on the shin
bones, and to be banished for life."
Towards the end of this year a comet appeared; it was
followed by two others, which were both seen at once for the
space of two months ; one in the south-east and the other in
the south-west, but with their tails opposite to each other.
The court was so alarmed by this phenomenon, that the king
ordered the guard at all the ports and over all the ships to
be doubled. He likewise directed that all his fortresses should
be well supplied with warlike stores and provisions, and that
his troops should be exercised every day. Such were his
apprehensions of being attacked by some neighbour, that he
prohibited a fire to be made during the night in any house
that could be perceived from the sea. The same phenomena
had been seen when the Tartars ravaged the country ; and it
was recollected that similar signs had been observed previous
to the war carried on by the Japanese against Corea. The
25
382 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
iDhabitants never met the Dutch without asking them what
people thought of comets in their country. Conformably to
the idea prevalent in Europe about that time, they replied,
" that comets prognosticated some terrible disaster, as pesti-
lence, war, or famine."
As they lived in tranquillity during the years 1664 and
1665, they turned all their attention towards making them-
selves master of a bark ; but to their mortification, without
success. They sometimes rowed along the shore in a boat
which assisted them in procuring a subsistence. Sometimes
they took a turn round some small islands to make such
observations as might be of service to their escape. Their
companions in the two other towns came at times to see them,
and they returned their visits when they could obtain the
governor's permission. They preserved their patience amidst
the greatest difficulties, being satisfied with the enjoyment of
good health, and not wanting necessaries in the course of such
a protracted slavery.
In 1666 they lost their worthy governor, who, as a recom-
pense for his virtues, was elevated to the highest dignities of
the state. During two years of a fortunate administration
he had bestowed favours indiscriminately on all ranks, by which
he acquired universal affection, the esteem of his master, and
the respect of the nobles. He had repaired the public edifices,
improved the ports, augmented the maritime forces, and
performed other services tending to the general welfare of
the kingdom.
After his departure, the town was three days without a
governor, because custom allows that interval to the successor,
to choose, with the assistance of a priest, a favourable moment
for his inauguration. The Dutch were soon sensible of the
change. Among other harsh treatment, their new master
wanted to keep them constantly employed in throwing up
earth. This they refused to comply with, asserting that when
they had finished the work which had hitherto been required
of them, they were obliged to employ the rest of their time
in procuring clothes and supplying their other necessities, that
the king had not sent them to be engaged in such laborious
occupations, and that if they were to be treated with such
rigour, it would be much better to renounce the subsistence
which was allowed them, and demand to be sent to Japan, or
some other place frequented by their countrymen.
The governor replied with a threat, that he would force
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 383
them to obey ; but he had not time to execute his intentions,
for a few days afterwards, being on board a very fine vessel,
the powder-room accidentally took fire, and blew up the fore-
part of the ship, by which accident five men lost their lives.
He neglected to give information of this circumstance to the
king, hoping the disaster would remain a secret. Unfortun-
ately for him, the fire had been perceived by one of the spies,
kept by the court, on the coast, as well as in the interior of
the kingdom. The sovereign soon received the intelligence,
the governor was immediately recalled, and, after receiving
ninety strokes on his shin-bones, was condemned to perpetual
banishment.
A new governor arrived in the month of July, but the
Dutch did not experience that change in their situation which
they had hoped. He required of them one hundred fathoms
of matting a day. When they represented the impossibility
of obeying this order, he threatened to find them some more
suitable occupation. A disorder with which he was attacked
prevented him from putting his design into execution ; but,
in addition to their ordinary occupations, they were obliged
to keep the public square clear of grass, and to fetch wood fit
for making arrows. Their wretched situation caused them
to resolve to take advantage of their tyrant's illness, and at
all hazards to procure a bark. They employed a Corean who
was under considerable obligations to them, to execute this
commission. They desired him to buy them a bark, pretend-
ing they wanted it to beg cotton in the adjacent islands,
promising him a large share of the alms which they hoped to
collect. The bark was purchased, but the fisherman who had
sold it, being informed that it was for the use of the Dutch,
wished to annul the bargain, fearing lest he should be punished
with death, if they made use of it to effect their escape. His
apprehensions were, however, silenced by offering to double
the price, and the bargain was concluded, to the great satis-
faction of the Dutch.
As soon as they were at liberty, they provided the vessel
with a sail, an anchor, cordage, oars, and many other necessary
articles, resolving to set off in the first quarter of the moon,
which was the favourable time. Meanwhile two of their
countrymen, who had come to visit them, were detained, and
they likewise sent to Nam-man, for John Peters, a skilful
seaman, to serve as their pilot. Though the natives were not
wholly without mistrust, yet the Dutch set off on the night
384 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
of the 4th of September, as soon as the moon had set, and
creeping along by the side of the city wall with their provi-
sions, which consisted of rice, a few jars of water, and an iron
pot ; they all, eight in number, reached the shore without
being discovered. Out of the thirty-six Dutchmen who had
escaped from the wreck of the ship, only sixteen remained
alive ; the eight who were left behind in Corea probably died
there ; at least, they were never afterwards heard of.
The first step taken by the fugitives was to fill a cask with
fresh water, in a small island which lay within cannon shot.
They then had the boldness to pass the ships of the town, and
even the royal frigates, standing out into the channel as much
as possible. On that morning of the 5 th, when they had
almost got out into the open sea, they were hailed by a
fisherman, but returned no answer, fearful lest it might be the
advanced guard of the ships of war, which lay at anchor at no
great distance. At sun-rise, the wind dying away, they made
use of their oars, but about noon a breeze springing up, they
steered to the south-east, guided only by their conjectures.
Having doubled the point of Corea in the course of the follow-
ing night, they were relieved from all apprehensions of being
pursued.
On the morning of the 6th, they were very near the first
of the Japanese islands ; and the wind continuing favourable^
they arrived off that of Firando, where they durst not come
to an anchor, being unacquainted with the road ; and they
had likewise heard the Coreans say that there was no island
on the way to Nangazaki. Continuing their course with a
brisk gale, they on the 7th coasted along a cluster of small
islands, which appeared innumerable. At night they intended
to cast anchor near a small island, but perceiving indications
of an approaching storm, they determined to continue their
course.
On the morning of the 8th, they found themselves at the
place they had left the preceding evening, which they
attributed to the violence of some current. This observation
induced them to stand out to sea, but a strong contrary wind
soon obliged them to return towards the land. After
crossing a bay they came to anchor, about noon, without
knowing what country it was. While they were preparing
their repast, some of the natives passed to and fro near
them, but without speaking to them. Towards evening,
the wind having lulled, they saw a bark with six men,.
LOSS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 385
each of whom had two knifes suspended from his girdle
rowing towards them. Upon this they weighed anchor
with all possible expedition, and employed both their sails
and oars in order to get out of the bay ; but they were
pursued, and soon overtaken by the bark. With their long
bamboo canes they might have prevented the strangers from
coming on board them, but perceiving several other vessels
filled with Japanese, leaving the shore, they resolved to wait
quietly for them
The people in the first bark inquired, by signs, whither
they were bound ? in reply to which they showed a yellow
flag, with the arms of Orange, crying " Holland ! Nangazaki ! "
The Japanese directed them, by signs, to take in their sails,
which they did. Two men then went on board, and asked
several questions, which they could not understand. Their
arrival had occasioned such an alarm on the coast that no
person appeared without being armed with two daggers. At
night a bark brought on board an officer who held the third
rank in the island. When he had ascertained that they were
Dutch, he informed them by signs, that there were six ships
of their nation at Nangazaki, and that the island they saw
was Goto, and belonged to the emperor. In this place they
stayed three days, during which they were guarded with great
care. They were supplied with wood and meat, and likewise
a mat to shelter themselves from the rain, which fell in great
abundance.
On the 12th, being furnished with plenty of provisions,
they set sail for Nangazaki, under the conduct of the same
officer who had come on board them, and who was charged
with letters for the emperor. He was attended with two
large and two small vessels. In the evening of the next day,
they discovered the bay in which that town is situated, and at
midnight came to an anchor there. Five Dutch ships were
then lying in the bay. Many of the inhabitants of Goto, and
other persons of distinction, had shown them much kindness,
and had refused to accept of any return. On the 14th they
went on shore, and were received by the company's Japanese
interpreters, who asked them several questions, and took
down their answers in writing. They were then conducted
to the governor's palace, where they arrived about noon.
When they had gratified his curiosity by a recital of their
adventures, he greatly commended the courage which had
induced them to brave so many dangers in order to obtain
386 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
their liberty, after upwarde of twelve years* slavery. He then
ordered the interpreters to take them to the Dutch command-
ant, by whom, as well as by all the rest of their countrymen,
they were very kindly received.
About the end of October they left Nangazaki, and on the
30th of the following month arrived at Batavia. They pre-
sented their journal to the governor-general, who treated them
with great kindness, and promised them a passage in some
vessels which were then returning to Europe. They embarked
on the 28th of December ; and on the 20th of July, 1688,,
arrived at Amsterdam.
THE STORY OF
THE SPANISH ARMADA,
In the year 1588, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Philip
the Second, King of Spain, formed a grand design of invading
England, and made vast preparations for the entire conquest
of the kingdom. Under the sway of this monarch, and that
of his father, the Emperor Charles the Fifth, Spain had reached
to the highest point of its prosperity, being, at that period,
rich and populous ; and the late conquest of Portugal, besides
securing internal tranquillity, had annexed an opulent king-
dom to Philip's dominions — had made him master of many
settlements in the East Indies, and of the whole commerce of
those regions ; and had much increased his naval power, in
which he was before chiefly deficient. Besides this, all the
treasures of the West Indies were in his possession.
Philip's ambition was as great as his resentment was lasting.
On the death of Queen Mary, of persecuting memory, whose
husband he was, he made proposals of marriage to his sister-
in-law, Queen Elizabeth, hoping still to obtain that dominion
over England which he had failed to secure in espousing her
sister, and he offered to procure from the Pope a dispensation
for the purpose. But Elizabeth knew well the aversion borne
by the nation to a Spanish alliance, and at once rejected the
proposal. This refusal rankled in his heart, and the interfer-
ance of Elizabeth in the affairs of the Netherlands, when the
Dutch provinces revolted from him ; the sending out of an
THE SPANISH ARMADA. 387
armament against the Spanish settlements in the West Indies,
and the destruction of the Spanish fleet, at Cadiz, in 1587,
with other insults and injuries which the Spaniards were
continually receiving from England, all tended to encourage
and inflame that desire for revenge, which Philip had long
harboured against the Queen.
Added to all these causes of offence, Philip's bigotry led
him to place himself at the head of the Catholic party on the
Continent, and to devote all his energies to the extirpation of
heresy both at home and abroad. Elizabeth, on the other
hand, was recognised throughout Europe as the bulwark and
support of Protestantism ; and Philip hoped, if he could sub-
due that princess, to acquire the eternal renown of re-uniting
the whole Christian world in the Catholic communion. Above
all, his indignation against his revolted subjects in the Nether-
lands, instigated him to attack the English, who had encou-
raged that insurrection ; and to subdue England seemed a
necessary step towards the re-establishment of his authority
in that portion of his extensive dominions.
The preparations for the Armada — by which Philip hoped
to conquer the English both on sea and land — were for some
time secretly carried on, with great celerity. As soon as the
project was fully determined upon, every part of his vast
empire resounded with " busy note of preparation, and clank
of hammers closing rivets up." All his ministers, generals,
and admirals, were employed in forwarding the design. In
all the ports of Sicily, Naples, Spain, and Portugal, artisans
were employed in building vessels of uncommon size and
force ; naval stores were collected at a great expense ; provi-
sions amassed ; armies levied and quartered in the maritime
towns of Spain ; and such a fleet was fitted out as had never
before seen its equal in Europe. The military preparations
in Flanders were no less formidable. Troops from all quarters
were every moment assembling, to reinforce the Duke of
Parma, to whom had been committed the command of the
army. In Italy, and Germany also, soldiers were enlisted ;
and an army of 34,000 men was assembled in the neighbour-
hood of Dunkirk, and kept in readiness to be transported into
England. The Duke of Parma employed all the carpenters
whom he could procure, either in Flanders or in Lower
Germany, and the coasts of the Baltic ; and he built at Dun-
kirk, and Newport, and at Antwerp, a great number of boats
and flat-bottomed vessels, for the transporting of his forces.
388 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
This great naval armament, when completed, consisted of 150
ships, most of which were of an unusual size, carrying 2,650
guns, and having on board 20,000 soldiers, and 8,000 seamen,
besides 2,000 volunteers of the most distinguished families.
This force was to be joined by the 34,000 men before referred
to, assembled in the Netherlands. This vast navy was vain-
gloriously denominated by the Spaniards, even before leaving
port, the " Invincible Armada !"
These extraordinary preparations could not long be con-
cealed from the English government ; but Philip was a
consummate hypocrite, and he gave out that the armament,
on which he had spent such enormous sums, and called into
requisition all the resources of his kingdom to complete, was
fitted out for the purpose of being employed in the Indies.
This shallow pretext, however, did not avail him. Elizabeth
had foreseen that an attempt would be made at invasion, and
she made preparations for resistance. The English navy, at
that period, was in a very inefficient state. It consisted only
of twenty-eight sail, many of which were of small size. The
Queen, in these circumstances, appealed to her people, and
they nobly responded to the call of their sovereign. All the
commercial towns of England were required to furnish ships
for reinforcing the navy. The citizens of London, in order
to show their zeal in the common cause, instead of fifteen
vessels which they were commanded to equip, voluntarily
fitted out double the number. The nobility and gentry hired,
and armed, and manned, forty-three ships at their own charge.
Lord Howard of Effingham, was appointed admiral of the
English fleet. Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher, the most
renowned seamen in Europe, served under him. The principal
fleet was stationed at Plymouth ; while a smaller squadron,
consisting of forty vessels, English and Flemish, commanded
by Lord Seymour, lay off Dunkirk, ready to intercept the
Duke of Parma.
The people of England felt that not only their liberties, but
their religion was at stake. A blow was menaced to be struck
at the sovereignty of Elizabeth, not only as a Queen, but as
the head and protectress of the Protestant interest in Europe ;
and they, therefore, came forward with alacrity, and prepared
for the defence of their natural rights and independenca
The land forces of England were, according to Hume, more
numerous than the enemy ; but they were inferior in discipline,
reputation, and experience. An army of 20,000 men was dis-
THE SPANISH ARMADA. 389
posed, in different bodies, along the south coast ; and orders
were given them, if they could not prevent the landing of the
Spaniards, to retire backwards ; to waste the country around ;
and to wait for reinforcements from the neighbouring counties
before they encountered the enemy. A body of 22,000 foot,
and 1,000 horse, under the command of the Earl of Leicester,
was stationed at Tilbury Fort for the defence of the capital.
The principal force, consisting of 34,000 foot and 2,000 horse,
was commanded by Lord Hunsdon. These forces were reserved
for guarding the Queen's person, and were appointed to march
whithersoever the enemy should appear. The panic was
almost general throughout the kingdom; the most dismal
apprehensions being entertained by many, even among the
Queen's counsellors, that the small and inexperienced military
force which England could bring into the field, would not, for
a moment, be able to cope with the formidable army of 50,000
veteran Spaniards, commanded by experienced officers, under
the Duke of Parma, the most consummate general of the age.
The Queen, however, undismayed by the danger which
threatened her crown and people, issued all her orders with
tranquillity, animated her subjects to a steady resistance, and
employed every resource which either her domestic situation,
or her foreign alliances could afford her. She sent Sir Eobert
Sidney into Scotland, to exhort King James to remain in
amity with her, and to consider the danger which at present
menaced his sovereignty no less than her own, from the
ambition of the tyrant of Spain. With her usual artfulness
she made him some promises which, with her usual dissimula-
tion, she never fulfilled. Such as, to give him a dukedom in
England, with suitable lands and revenue ; to settle 5,000Z a
year on him ; and to pay him a guard, for the safety of his
person.
The King of Scotland declared himself perfectly willing to
remain in relationship with England, and he even kept him-
self in readiness to march with the whole force of his kingdom
to the assistance of the English Queen. The King of Denmark
was induced, on her application, to seize all the ships belong-
ing to the Spanish monarch in the Danish harbours. The
Hanse Towns too, though not at that time on good terms with
the English Queen, were so far prevailed upon by the same
motives which had weighed with his Danish majesty, namely,
the interests of the Protestant religion, and the strong remon-
«trances of Elizabeth, as to retard so long the equipment of
390 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
some vessels in their ports, that they became useless to the
purpose of invading England.
The Queen's conduct at this perilous conjuncture of affairs,
was such as to command even the admiration of her enemies.
Her prudence, circumspection, and vigour, made up for all
deficiencies in the land or sea forces. She animated the Pro-
testant part of her subjects by an appeal to their loyalty, and
attachment to their religion. She reminded them of their
former danger from the wiles and the tyranny of the King of
Spain. All the barbarities exercised by Mary against the
Protestants — the burnings — the imprisonments — the proscrip-
tions of the adherents of the reformed faith, were ascribed to
the counsels of that bigotted and imperious monarch. Nay^
we are told that the representation of the persecuting nature
of Popery was even carried so far, that the bloody massacres
in the Indies — the unrelenting executions in the low countries
— the horrid cruelties and iniquities of the inquisition, were
set before men's eyes ; a list and description were published,
and pictures dispersed, of the several instruments of torture
with which, it is pretended, the Spanish Armada was loaded ;
and every artifice was employed to rouse the people to a vigor-
ous defence of their religion, their laws, and their liberties.
The English Eoman Catholics generally were not led away
from their allegiance, by the hope of seeing their religion re-
established in England ; although the pope had absolved them
from their fealty. The liberty and independence of their
native country were stronger motives to their fidelity than
any which Philip could offer ; and as Elizabeth, on this occa-
sion, wisely pursued moderate measures towards them, fair
scope was given for their patriotism and right feeling.
Several Eoman Catholic gentlemen entered as volunteers in
the fleet and army. Some equipped ships at their own charge
and gave the command of them to Protestants. Others were
active in animating their tenants, and vassals, and neighbours
to the defence of their country ; and every rank of them,
burying, for the present, all party animosities, seemed to pre-
pare themselves with order, as well as vigour, to resist the
daring attempt of the invaders.
The Queen, surrounded by her principal men, appeared on
horseback in the camp at Tilbury; with a cheerful and
animated countenance she rode through the lines; and
exhorted the soldiers in the following stirring address : —
" My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that-
THE SPANISH ARMADA. 391
are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our-
seves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery ; but I assure
you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving
people. Let tyrants fear : I have always so behaved myself
that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safe-
guard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects ; and
therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my
recreation or sport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat
of the battle, to live or die among you all ; to lay down, for
my God, and for my kingdom, and for my people, my honour
and my blood even in the dust. I know I have but the body
of a weak and feeble woman ; but I have the heart of a king^
and a king of England, too ; and think foul scorn that Parma,^
or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the
borders of my realms , to which, rather than any dishonour
should grow by me, I myself will take up arms : I myself
will be your general, judge and rewarder of every one of your
virtues in the field. I know already, by your forwardness,
that you have deserved rewards and crowns; and we do-
assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid:
you. In the meantime, my lieutenant-general shall be in my
stead, than whom never prince commanded a more worthy
and noble subject ; not doubting, by your obedience to my
general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in
the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those
enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people."
By this spirited behaviour Elizabeth revived the attachment
and increased the enthusiasm of the soldiery.
In the beginning of May, 1588, the Spanish Armada was
ready for sea ; but its sailing was retarded for some time by
the deaths, successively, of the Admiral, the Marquis of
Santa Croce, and the Vice-Admiral, the Duke of Paliano.
The Duke of Medina Sidonia, a nobleman of great family,
but inexperienced in action, and entirely ignorant of sea affairs^
was appointed Admiral, and Alcarede, Vice-Admiral.
At length, on the 29th of May, every preparation being
complete, the Spanish fleet set sail from Lisbon. Forth went
that mighty armament, charged with a nation's ruin and a
religion's overthrow. Consecrated by the Pope himself, and
wafted by the blessings and the hopes of every adherent of
Popery throughout Europe, its course promised fair and its
result successful. Already, the most fearful denunciationa
hovered over England — the thunders of ihe Vatican had been
392 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
hurled against that doomed land — the anathema had been
launched against it and its sovereign, and the awful curse
pronounced which was to hurry them both into immediate
and irremediable destruction. Elizabeth had been formally
excommunicated and deposed by the Koman pontiff, who had
published a crusade against England, and granted plenary
indulgences to every one engaged in the invasion.
But the ways of Providence are inscrutable. On the very
day after the Armada had sailed, it was overtaken by a
tremendous storm, which dispersed the ships, sunk some of
the smallest, and forced the rest to take shelter in the
Groine, where they were refitted.
The intelligence of the disaster which had happened to the
Spanish fleet created, as was natural, great joy in England ;
and the Queen concluded that the Spaniards would not this
year attempt an invasion. In this belief, she caused orders
to be sent to the Admiral, directing him to lay up some of
the larger ships and to discharge the seamen. Lord Effing-
ham, however, who judged otherwise, and was convinced that
the Spanish navy would aj^ain put to sea, had the courage to
disobey these orders, and solicited permission to retain all the
ships in service, though it should be at his own expense.
Taking advantage of a north wind, he sailed towards the
coast of Spain, with the intention of attacking the enemy in
harbour ; but the wind changing to the south, he became
apprehensive lest they might have set sail, and passing him
at sea, been able to reach England, now undefended by the
fleet, in his absence. These considerations induced him to
return with the utmost expedition to Plymouth, where he
anchored.
The damage done to the vessels of the Armada by the storm
were soon repaired ; and the Spaniards, determined on the
invasion of England, and nothing daunted by the ominous
commencement of their voyage, once more put to sea. Their
fleet consisted now of 130 vessels, of which nearly 100 were
galleons, and were much larger than any that had yet been
used in Europe. It carried on board 19,295 soldiers, 8456
mariners, 2088 galley-slaves, and 2630 great pieces of brass
ordnance. It was victualled for six months; and was attended
by twenty smaller ships, called caravals, and ten salves with
six oars each.
The Duke of Medina had received orders from Philip to
4ivoid, if possible, coming into contact with the English fleet ;
THE SPANISH ARMADA. 39a
and for this purpose, in passing along the Channel, he was to
sail as near the coast of France as he could with safety, until
being joined by the Duke of Parma, he should be able to
make sail to the Thames ; and having landed the whole
Spanish army, complete at one blow the entire conquest of
England. The Duke ventured to disobey these orders. A
fisherman, whom his vessels met on their passage to the
English coast, gave him information of a nature which induced
him to alter his plans, and instead of keeping out of the reach
of the ships of his opponents, to proceed at once to attack
them in their harbours. This man told them that the English
admiral, hearing of the tempest which had scattered the
Armada, had gone to sea in search of them ; but that he had
since returned back into Plymouth, where, no longer expect-
ing an invasion this season, he had laid up his ships, and dis-
charged most of his seamen. This intelligence, false as the
latter (the most important part of it) was, had the effect of
making him believe that he had nothing more to do than sail
for Plymouth, destroy at once the English fleet, and secure
immediate possession of the kingdom. This resolution of the
Spanish admiral proved the salvation of England.
On the evening of the 19 th July, the Armada arrived ofiT
the Lizard Point, in Cornwall ; this, the most southern pro-
montory of England, being the first land made by it. The
Spaniards mistook it for the Eamhead, near Plymouth ; they,
therefore, stood out to sea with the design of returning next
day, and attacking the English navy. One Fleming, a Scot-
tish pirate, who was roving in those seas, descried them, and
he immediately set sail to inform the English admiral of their
approach. Effingham being thus apprised, issued instant
orders to prepare for action. He had just time to get out of
port, when he descried the Spanish Armada bearing down
upon him.
It was a most imposing spectacle, and such as the sea, which
has presented many beautiful sights, never before upheld on
its treacherous bosom. The mighty armament of Spain was
disposed in the form of a crescent, and stretched to the dis-
tance of seven miles from the extremity of one division to
that of the other. Although, however, the ships were in full
sail, yet, from their weight and unwieldy construction, they
proceeded very slowly, and thus gave the English, who beheld,
without dismay, this formidable force arrayed against them.^,
full time to prepare for receiving them.
^94 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Orders were issued by the English admiral to avoid close
action with the Spanish ships, but to cannonade them at a
distance, and to wait the opportunity which winds, currents,
or various accidents must afford him of intercepting some of
their scattered vessels. Two events occur ed which at the
beginning spread confusion through the enemy's fleet. A
large ship of Biscay, on board of which was a considerable
part of the Spanish money, accidently took fire ; and while
all hands were employed in extinguishing the flames, she fell
astern of the rest of the Armada. The great galleon of
Andalusia was detained by the springing of her mast, and
both these vessels were taken, after some resistance, by Sir
Francis Drake.
As the Armada advanced up the Channel, the English hung
upon its rear, and continued to attack it, gradually advancing
nearer ; found that, even in close action, the size of the
Spanish ships was rather a disadvantage to them than other-
wise. Their bulk exposed them the more to the fire of the
enemy, while their cannon being placed too high, the shot
passed over the heads of the English, and fell harmless in the
"water.
No sooner had the news of the appearance of the Armada
reached land, than the nobility and gentry hastened out, with
their vessels, to reinforce the admiral. The Earls of Oxford,
Northumberland, and Cumberland, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir
Eobert Cecil, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Thomas Vavasor, Sir
Thomas Gerrard, Sir Charles Blount, and many other eminent
men, distinguished themselves by this generous and disin-
terested proceeding. The English fleet, with this reinforce-
ment, amounted to 140 sail.
The Armada proceeded to Calais, and cast anchor before
that place, that the Duke of Parma might put to sea and join
his forces to them, as was originally intended. Here the
English admiral had recourse to stratagem, in order to scatter
the Spanish vessels. He filled eight of his smaller ships with
combustible materials, and sent them one after the other, into
the midst of the enemy. The Spaniards took the alarm, cut
their cables, and hastened to sea with the greatest disorder
and precipitation. In this state the English attacked them,
and captured or destroyed about twelve of their best ships,
besides doing great damage to many of the rest.
The Armada being thus, in a manner, disabled from pro-
-ceeding any further in the enterprise, the Duke of Parma felt
THE SPANISH ARMADA. 395
unwilling to expose his soldiers singly to the attacks of the
English fleet, convinced as he was that the vessels provided
by him were formed for transporting an army, not for fight-
ing. When urged to leave the harbour, he positively refused,
and thus ended all hopes, on the part of the Spaniards, of the
success of an expedition, for which so many and so extensive
preparations had been made.
Several rencounters took place between the Spanish and
English fleets ; but while the former lost many of their vessels,
only one small ship of the latter had been destroyed. Per-
ceiving that it was the intention of the English admiral to
effect the complete destruction of the Armada, the Duke of
Medina formed the resolution to return to Spain with the
remainder of his fleet. But he found it impossible, from the
prevalence of a contrary wind, to pass through the channel,
and he determined to sail northwards, and making the tour
of the island of Great Britain, reach Spain by the ocean.
Harassed, however, by the incessant attacks of the English
fleet, which continued for some time to follow him, he would
inevitably have been obliged to surrender at discretion, had
not the ammunition of his opponents fallen short, from the
negligence of the officer in supplying them ; and the latter
were compelled to bear away from their enemy, when almost
within their power.
The Armada, however, was doomed to destruction. Soon
^f ter it had passed the Orkneys, it encountered a tremendous
hurricane, which drove some of the ships on the western isles
of Scotland, and others on the coast of Ireland, where they
were miserably wrecked ; and not a half of the proud navy
which had left Spain with such magnificent expectations re-
turned to tell the tale of their discomfiture and dishonour.
Thus perished the hopes of the Pope and the Spaniards to
ihrow the fetters of superstition over free and happy England.
396 voyages and shipwrecks.
The Mutiny of The Bounty,
AND
The Wreck of The Pandora.
In the year 1787, being seventeen years after Captain Cook's-
return from his first voyage, it having been represented to hi&
majesty, by those interested in our West India colonies, that
the introduction of the bread-fruit tree into those islands, ta
constitute an article of food, would prove of very essential
benefit to the inhabitants, the king was graciously pleased to
comply with their request. A vessel was accordingly pur-
chased, and fitted with the necessary additions for carrying
the benevolent objects of the voyage into effect ; the whole
equipment for the voyage being under the immediate super-
intendence of Sir Joseph Banks.
The ship was called the Bounty, and the command of her
was entrusted to Lieutenant Bligh, who had previously sailed
with Captain Cook. She was about two hundred and fifteen
tons burthen, and her crew consisted of one lieutenant, wha
was commanding-ofi&cer ; one master, three warrant officers,
one surgeon, two master's mates, two midshipmen, and thirty-
four petty officers and seamen, making forty-four in all ; to
which were added two skilful and careful men, recommended
by Sir Joseph Banks, to have the management of the plants
intended to be carried to the West Indies, and others to be
brought home for his majesty's gardens at Kew. One of these
was David Nelson, who had served under Captain Cook in a
similar situation; and the other, Wm. Brown, acted as an
assistant to him.
On December the 23rd, 1787, the Bounty sailed from Spit-
head and arrived at Otaheite on the 26th of October, 1788,
remaining there till the 4th of April, 1789, and collected
during that period one thousand and fifteen plants, which
were contained in seven hundred and seventy-four pots, thirty-
nine tubs, and twenty boxes, besides several other kinds of
curious plants peculiar to Otaheite.
On the 23rd they anchored off Annamooka, where they
remained till the 26th, carrying on a brisk trade in yams^
plantains, hogs, fowls, &c. ; but the crowd of natives became
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 397
so great, that it was judged prudent to get the ship under
weigh, which was accordingly done, and they sailed at sunset.
From thence the ship stood to the northward all night, and
at noon of the following day, the 27th, they were between the
islands Tofoa and Kotoo.
Thus far the voyage had advanced in a course of uninter-
rupted prosperity ; but a conspiracy had been formed, which
was concerted with so much secrecy and circumspection that
not the slightest suspicion was occasioned of the impending
calamity, which was to render all their past labour productive
only of extreme misery and distress.
About four o'clock on the morning of the 28th of April,
Mr. Stewart called upon Fletcher Christian, who had just
fallen asleep, to relieve the deck ; but observing him to be
much out of order, he strenuously advised him to abandon
his previously expressed intention of leaving the ship on a
small raft which he had constructed ; but Christian, as soon
as he had taken charge of the deck, observing Mr. Hayward,
the mate of his watch, lie down on the arm-chest to take a
nap, and finding that Mr. Hallet, the other midshipman, did
not make his appearance, formed the resolution of seizing the
ship. He immediately disclosed his intention to Matthew
Quinttal and Isaac Martin, seamen, both of whom had been
flogged by Captain Bligh ; and they called up Charles Church-
hill, master-at-arms, who had also been punished, and Matthew
Thompson, seamen, both of whom readily joined in the plot.
Alexander Smith {alias John Adams), John Williams, and
William M'Koy, evinced equal willingness, and went with
Churchill to the armourer, of whom they obtained the keys
of the arm-chest, under pretence of wanting a musket to fire
at a shark ; and finding Mr. Hallet asleep on an arm-chest in
the main-hatchway, they roused him and sent him on deck.
Charles Norman, the carpenter's mate, unconscious of their
proceedings, had in the meantime awakened Mr. Hayward,
and directed his attention to the shark which was alongside ;
and just at the moment he was watching it. Christian and his
confederates came up the fore-hatchway, after having placed
arms in the hands of several men who were aware of their
design. One man, Matthew Thompson, was left in charge of
the chest, and he served out arms to Thomas Burkitt and
Kobert Lamb.
" Just before sun-rising, on Tuesday the 28th, while I was
yet asleep," says Mr. Bligh, the captain of the Bounty, in his
26
398 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
own words, "Mr. Christian, officer of the watch; Charles
Churchill, ship's corporal ; John Mills, gunner's mate ; and
Thomas Burkitt, seaman, came into my cabin, and, seizing
me, tied my hands with a cord behind my back ; threatening
me with instant death, if I spoke or made the least noise. I
called out, however, as loud as I could, in hopes of assistance ;
but they had already secured the officers, who were not of
their party, by placing sentinels at their doors. I was hauled
out of bed, and forced on deck in my shirt. I demanded the
reason of such conduct, but received no other answer but
abuse for not holding my tongue.
The boatswain was ordered to hoist the launch out, with a
threat that if he did not do it instantly, to take care of him-
self.
The captain endeavoured, by entreaties and persuasion, to
turn the tide of affairs, and induce the people not to persist
in such acts of violence ; but the only reply was a command
to hold his tongue, with a threat of having his brains blown
out if he did not instantly comply, while three men stood
round him with bayonets fixed and pieces cocked.
The boatswain and seamen who were to go in the launch
were allowed to collect cordage, canvas, sails, and a twenty-
eight gallon cask of water ; and Mr. Samuel got one hundred
and fifty pounds of bread, a small quantity of rum and wine,
and a quadrant and compass. Those of the seamen whom
the mutineers meant to get rid of were forced into the boat,
and a dram served to each of the crew who remained in the
Bounty.
The officers were next called upon deck, and forced over
the side into the boat, while Captain Bligh was still kept
abaft the mizenmast, surrounded by a guard. It appeared
that Christian was in some doubts whether he should keep
the carpenter or his mates, but at length he ordered the
carpenter into the boat, permitting him, though not without
some opposition, to take his tool-chest.
The officers and men who were to leave them being now
in the boat, the master-at-arms informed Christian that they
only waited for the captain. Christian then turned and said,
** Come, Captain Bligh, your officers and men are now in the
boat, and you must go with them; and if you attempt to
make the least resistance you will instantly be put to death."
He was then, without further ceremony, forced over the
side, when his hands were untied. The boat was veered astern
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 399
with a rope, and a few pieces of pork, some clothes, and four
cutlasses, were thrown to them.
On being forced over the side, Captain Bligh, turning to
Christian, said, " Is this treatment a proper return for the
many instances you have received of my friendship ? " At
which the other appeared much disturbed.
Captain Bligh again begged of him to desist, and gave his
honour never to speak of this, or let it be known in England.
He implored him, as their past friendship was disregarded,
to think of and show some mercy to his wife and children.
" I say no, no. Captain Bligh," replied Christian : " if you
had any honour or any manly feeling in your breast,
things had not come to this. Your wife and family ! Had
you any regard for them, you would have thought of them
before and not behaved so like a villian ! I have been used
like a dog all the voyage ; I am determined, come what will,
to bear it no longer. You have goaded — driven me to despera-
tion, and on you must rest the consequences. It is too late."
The armourer and carpenter's mates called over the side
for the captain to remember that they had no hand in the
transaction, and were kept contrary to their inclination ; and
«oon after the boat was cast adrift on the open sea.
The launch contained nineteen persons, whose weight, with
that of the few articles they were permitted to take, brought
the boat's edge so near to the water that there seemed but
little probability of her being able to encounter a moderate
swell, much less to survive the length of voyage they were
destined to perform over the wide ocean.
Upon examining the quantity of provisions which had been
thrown into the boat, it was found to amount to one hundred
and fifty pounds of bread, sixteen pieces of pork weighing
two pounds each, six quarts of rum, six bottles of wine,
twenty-eight gallons of water, and four empty barricoes. As
they were near the island of Tofoa, they endeavoured to get
a supply of bread-fruit and water, but could only succeed in
obtaining about twenty cocoa-nuts; and numbers of the
natives beginning to congregate on the beach, they were
•obliged to leave with precipitation, as the natives attacked
them with stones, and killed John Norton, quarter-master,
who was casting off the stern-fast, and wounded many of
them in the boat. On pushing out to sea, they were followed
hj several canoes, and only succeeded in eluding the pursuit
400 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
by throwing overboard some clothes, which induced the
canoes to stop and pick them up.
They had now no hope of relief, unless they could reach
Timor, a distance of full twelve hundred leagues, and this in
an open boat only twenty-three feet in length, and deeply
laden with eighteen men ; but they all readily agreed to be
content with an allowance which, on calculation. Captain
Bligh informed them, would not exceed one ounce of bread
and a quarter of a pint of water per day. It was about eight
o'clock at night, on the 2nd of May that they bore away
under a reefed lug-foresail, and the people being divided into
watches, and the boat got into a little order, they returned
thanks to the Almighty for their miraculous preservation.
On the 3rd it blew a violent storm, and the sea ran so high
that they were obliged to keep constantly baling, and were
in great apprehension that the bread, which was in bags^,
would be spoiled : to prevent this they threw overboard ail
superfluous clothes, with some spare sails and rope, in order
to lighten the boat; and emptying the carpenter's chest,
stowed the tools in the bottom of the boat, and the bread in
the chest. As they were all thoroughly wet and cold, a tea-
spoonful of rum was served to each. Five small cocoa-nuts
were distributed for dinner, and a few broken pieces of bread-
fruit for supper, after which prayers were performed.
On the night of the 4th, and morning of the 5th, the gale
had abated, and the boat was running among some islands ;
but after their reception at Tofoa they did not venture to
land. Upon examining the state of their bread, they found
that a great part of it was damaged and rotten ; but even
this was carefully preserved for use.
On the 6th they still continued to see islands at a distance ;
and this day, for the first time, to their great joy, they hooked
a fish ; but were miserably disappointed by losing it as they
were trying to get it into the boat. They were dreadfully
cramped from the want of room, which they endeavoured to
remedy by putting themselves at watch and watch : one half
sitting up, while the others lay down in the bottom of the
boat, with nothing to cover them, and so constantly wet, that
after a few hours' sleep, they were scarcely able to move.
On the 7th they passed close to some rocky isles, from
which they were pursued by two large sailing canoes ; but in
the afternoon they gave over the chase. Soon after it began
to rain very heavily, when every person in the boat did hia
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 401
utmost to catch some water, by which they increased their
stock to thirty -four gallons, besides quenching their thirst
for the first time since they had been in the boat.
On the 8 th they had an allowance of an ounce-and-half of
pork, a teaspoonful of rum, half a pint of cocoa-nut milk, and
an ounce of bread. The afternoon was employed in cleaning
out the boat, and getting everything dry and in order.
Hitherto Captain Bligh had issued the allowance by guess,
but he now made a pair of scales with two cocoa-nut shells,
and finding some pistol-balls in the boat, which weighed
twenty-five to the pound, he adopted one of these as the
weight of bread to be served to each person at one time He
also amused them with describing the situations of New
Guinea and New Holland, that in case any accident should
happen to him, they might have some idea of what they were
about, and be able to find their way to Timor.
On the 9th they experienced a violent storm of thunder
and lightning. They collected about twenty gallons of water ;
but they were so miserably wet and cold, that a teaspoonful
of rum was served to each. The weather continued extremely
bad, and the wind so increased that hardly one of them got
any sleep that night.
The morning of the 10th brought no relief, except its light.
The sea broke over the boat so much, that two men were
kept constantly baling ; and it was necessary to keep the
boat before the wind to prevent its filling. The allowance
was now one bullet-weight of bread and a quarter of a pint
of water, at eight in the morning, at noon, and at sunset, with
the addition of half an ounce of pork for dinner.
On the 11th the weather was not at all improved, and
their situation was becoming extremely dangerous from the
constant running of the sea over the stern, which kept them
baling with all their strength : but at noon they were much
enlivened by the appearance of the sun, which gave them
great pleasure.
On the 12th it rained towards the evening, and they again
experienced a dreadful night. When the day came, they
were in no way refreshed by the little sleep they had, as they
were constantly drenched by the sea and rain ; and though
the men were shivering with wet and cold, the captain was
under the disagreeable necessity of informing them, that he
could no longer afford them the scanty pittance of a teaspoon-
ful of rum.
402 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
On the 13th and 14th the stormy weather and heavy seas
continued unabated, and on these days they saw distant land^
and passed several islands, the sight of which increased rather
than alleviated the misery of their situation ; as an attempt
to procure relief was considered to be attended with so much
danger that it was thought advisable to remain as they were^
rather than encounter the risk.
On the 15th it was still rainy, both day and night, and it
was so dark that not a star could be seen by which the steer-
age could be directed, and the sea was continually breaking
over the boat; which was the case on the 16th when they
passed a truly horrible night, with storms of thunder, lightning,
and rain. The dawn of the 17th brought no relief ; and the
suffering from wet and cold had been so severe, that they
were obliged to break their rule and serve a teaspoonful of
rum to each. The night was again dark and dismal, and
nothing but the winds and waves to direct their steerage.
On the 18th the rain abated, when they stripped and
wrung their clothes, which greatly refreshed them ; but every
one of them complained of violent pains in their bones. At
night the rain recommenced with thunder and lightninsj^
which continued without intermission through the 19th and
20th, keeping the men constantly baling ; but at noon the
sun broke out and revived them. They began now to suffer
from extreme hunger, but the vast quantities of rain that had
fallen prevented their being thirsty.
On the 21st they were so drenched with rain and salt-water
during the whole of the afternoon, that they could scarcely
see ; and on the following day their situation was extremely
calamitous. They were obliged to run right before the sea,
and keep a strict watch, as the slightest error in the helm
would have caused their destruction in an instant. It con-
tinued to blow hard, and the sea was constantly running over
their stern. During the night the misery they endured was
excessive, so much so that they expected another such a night
would put an end to the sufferings of several of them.
On the 24th the wind moderated towards the evening, and
the night was fair. In the morning they experienced relief
from the warmth of the sun, for the first time during the last
fifteen days. They stripped and hung up their clothes to
dry ; but by this time they had been worn so threadbare, that
they contributed very little to keep out either wet or cold.
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 403
In the afternoon they saw several birds, such as boobies and
noddies, which are never seen far from land.
As the sea now began to run fair, Captain Bligh took the
opportunity to examine their stock of bread, and found there
was sufficient, according to their present rate of allowance, to
last twenty-nine days, which was about the time they
expected to reach Timor : but as this was uncertain, and it
was possible they might be obliged to go to Java, they deter-
mined to reduce their present scanty rate, so as to make the
stock hold out six weeks. This was effected by continuing
the same quantity for breakfast and dinner as usual, and dis-
continuing the supper allowance.
On the 25th, at noon, some noddies came so near to
the boat that they caught one of them, about the size of a
small pigeon. This was divided, with its entrails into eighteen
portions, and distributed by the following method : — one man
stood with his back to the object, while another, pointing
separately to each portion, asked aloud, "Who shall have
this ? " to which the first answered by naming somebody,
until the whole number had been served. By this impartial
method, each man stood the same chance of obtaining an
equal share. They had also an allowance of bread and water.
En the evening several boobies came near them, and they
were fortunate enough to catch one about as large as a duck.
This they killed for supper, and giving the blood to three of
the people who were most distressed, the body, with entrails,
feet, and beak, were divided into eighteen shares and distributed
as before ; and having with it an allowance of bread, the
whole made an excellent supper.
On the 26th they caught another booby, which was dis-
tributed in the same manner as before, giving the blood to
those who suffered most ; and this addition to their usual fare
quite overjoyed these miserable people, who hailed it as an
interposition of Providence in their favour. The weather was
now very fine, but the heat of the sun was becoming so
powerful, that several were seized with faintness and langour.
In the evening they caught two boobies which contributed to
raise their spirits. The stomachs of these birds contained
several flying-fish and small cuttle-fish, which were carefully
reserved for the following day, while the remainder were
divided and distributed as before. From the appearance of
the clouds in the evening they thought it probable they
must be near land.
404 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
On the 28th, at one o'clock in the morning, the man at the
helm heard the sound of breakers. It was the barrier-reef
which runs along the eastern shore of New Holland, through
which it now became their anxious object to discover a passage.
The sea broke furiously over the reef, but within was so
smooth and calm, that they already anticipated the heartfelt
satisfaction they should experience as soon as they should
pass the barrier. At length they discovered a break in the
reef, about a quarter of a mile in width, and through which
they passed rapidly, with a strong stream running to the
westward, and came almost immediately into smooth water.
They now offered up their thanks to the Almighty for his
merciful protection of them, and then with more content
than they had yet been able to feel, took their miserable
allowance of a bullet-weight of bread, and a quarter of a pint
of water for dinner.
They now began to see the coast very distinctly, and in the
evening they landed on the sandy point of an island, where
they soon discovered that there were oysters : they also found
plenty of fresh water. By the help of a small magnifying glass
a fire was made ; and among the things that had been thrown
into the boat was a tinder-box and a piece of brimstone ; so
that in future they had the ready means of making a fire.
One of the men had been provident enough to bring with him
from the ship, a copper pot, in which they made a stew of
oysters, bread, and pork, and each person received a full pint.
The general complaints among the people were a great
dizziness in the head, and weakness in the joints ; but not-
withstanding their sufferings from cold and hunger, all of
them retained marks of strength. The men were cautioned
by Captain Bligh not to touch any kind of fruit or berry
they might find ; but no sooner were they out of sight than
they began to eat without reserve. The effect of this was,
that they soon began to show symptoms of over-eating, which
frightened them so much that they fancied they were poisoned ;
but, fortunately, the fruit proved to be wholesome and good.
On the 29th of May, being the anniversary of the restoration
of Charles IL, they named the island they were upon Eestora-
tion Island, as not being inapplicable to their situation,
which was a restoration to health and strength.
The people now made excellent meals of oysters and palm-
tops stewed, without consuming any of their bread. On the
30th they collected a quantity of oysters, which they put on
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 405
iDoard the boat, and also filled their vessels with fresh water
to the amount of nearly sixty gallons. Upon examining the
bread, they found about thirty-eight days' allowance remain-
ing.
Being now ready for sea, every person was ordered to attend
prayers ; but just as they were on the point of embarking,
about twenty naked savages made their appearance, and
beckoned to the sailors to come near them ; but as they were
armed with spears and lances, it was thought most advisable
to decline the invitation and proceed on their voyage, which
lay to the northward.
On the 31st they landed on an island to which they gave
the name of Sunday, and two parties were sent on shore to
seek for supplies ; but many of them, overcome by weakness
and fatigue, began to show a mutinous spirit, which Captain
Bligh immediately quelled by drawing his cutlass and enforc-
ing obedienca They obtained oysters, clams, and dog-fish ;
also a small bean, which j^elson, the botanist, pronounced to
be a species of dolichos.
On the first of June they stopped in the midst of some
sandy islands, called Keys, where they procured a few clams
and beans. Nelson was here taken ill with a violent heat in
his bowels, loss of sight, great thirst, etc. ; but by giving him
some pieces of bread soaked in a little wine, which had been
carefully preserved, he soon recovered. The boatswain and
carpenter were also ill, complaining of headache and sickness ;
and, indeed, there were few of them without complaints.
At night a party was sent out to catch birds, but they only
returned with twelve noddies. This was through the folly
and obstinacy of Eobert Lamb, butcher, who separated from
them and disturbed the birds. He afterwards acknowledged
that he had eaten nine raw birds after separating from his
two companions.
On the 3rd of June, after passing several keys and islands,
and doubling Cape York, the north-easternmost point of New
Holland, the little boat and her brave crew once more
launched into the open ocean. They had been just six days
on the coast, in the course of which they had found oysters,
a few clams, some birds, and water ; but they had derived
great benefit from enjoying good rest at night, and relief from
the fatigue of constantly sitting.
On the 5th a booby was caught by the hand, and the blood
of it being divided among the three weakest, the body was
406 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
preserved for next day's dinner ; and in the evening of the
6th, the allowance for supper was recommenced according to-
a promise made at its discontinuance.
On the 7th, after a miserably wet and cold night, nothing
more could be afforded than the usual allowance for break-
fast, but at dinner they had the remainder of the dried clams^
being about an ounce to each. The sea was running very
high and breaking over the boat. The next day, however,
the weather was more moderate, and they caught a small
dolphin, which gave about two ounces to each man ; but in
the night it came on to blow again.
Many of them now began to feel the effects of their long
sufferings. Mr. Ledward, the surgeon, and Lawerenee
Leboque, an old and hardy seaman, appeared to be giving way
very fast. In two or three days afterwards there seemed a
visible alteration for the worse in many of them, and an
apparent debility of understanding, that seemed the melan-
choly presage of an approaching dissolution. One hope alone
supported them, that in a very few days more, at the rat©
they were then sailing, they would arrive at that point, so
fondly anticipated as the termination of their miseries.
In the afternoon, birds and branches of trees gave signs of
land being near ; but the captain cautioned them not to be too
sanguine as there were several islands between New Guinea
and Timor.
On the 11th, Captain Bligh announced the pleasing-
intelligence that an observation of longitude appeared to
indicate that they had passed the meridian of the eastern part
of Timor. This discovery filled every heart with joy and
expectation, and all eyes were intently fixed on that quarter
in which the land was expected to be situate. Evening fell
without their being able to discover anything except the vast
expanse of ocean; but, at three o'clock on the following
morning, just as the day was breaking, a cultivated coast,
finely diversified with hill and dale, appeared stretching in
wide extent before them. This was Timor !
It is almost impossible to describe the tumult of joy, the
intense and inexpressible delight, which filled their minds at
the blessing of the sight of this land. Their thoughts rapidly
reverted to the varied events of their fearful passage, tiU it
appeared scarcely credible even to themselves — that in an
open boat, so poorly provided, and under circumstances every
way so calami to as, they should have been able to reach the^^
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 407
coast of Timor in forty-one days after learing Tofoa, having
in that time run, by their log, a distance of three thousand
six hundred and eighteen nautical miles ; and that, notwith-
standing their extreme distress, without the loss of a single
individual.
The crew, who now considered their safety as beyond tha
reach of vicissitude, were eager to land at the nearest shore
without further delay ; but Captain Bligh, wisely considering
that the Dutch were only in possession of a corner of thia
large island, directed his course to the south-west part of it,
in which he had but an indistinct recollection of hearing the
Dutch settlement was situate. They had passed along a coast
covered with palm-trees and afterwards a more open district,.
where the inhabitants were clearing and cultivating their
grounds ; but night came on without their discovering any
appearance of a settlement, or an eligible landing-place.
On the 13th they continued their voyage, with the same-
result. About two o'clock, after running through a very
dangerous sea, they came to a spacious bay, with an entrance,
that appeared to form so eligible a station for shipping, that
hopes were conceived that it might be an European settlement.
Seeing a hut, a dog, and some cattle, near a sandy beach, the
gunner and boatswain landed, but were not long gone, when
they returned, accompanied by five of the natives, from whom
they met a hospitable reception. They were informed that
the governor resided at a place called Coupang, at some dis-
tance to the north-east, and one of the men went with them
to show the way, but they were not able to reach it that night.
At ten o'clock they came to a grapnel, and, for the first time^
doubled their allowance of bread, to which was added a little
wine.
On the following morning, after the most comfortable and
refreshing sleep they had yet enjoyed, they found themselves
clear of the island, and soon after, the report of two large
guns came booming along the water. They were electrified
vnth joy, by this, the first sound indicative of European
existence ; and shortly after two square-rigged vessels and a
cutter appeared at anchor. They endeavoured to work to
windward, but losing ground on each tack, they took to their
oars again, and kept rowing till four o'clock, when the hands
had an allowance of bread and wine, after which they resumed
their oars and plied them till daylight, when they found
themselves opposite the small fort and town of Coupang.
408 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS
They hoisted a signal of distress by the aid of some
signal flags, which they found in the boat, and soon after
day- break, a soldier hailed them to land. They immediately
obeyed the signal, and were agreeably surprised to find an
English sailor, who told them he belonged to a Dutch vessel
in the road, commanded by Captain Spikeman, the second
person in the town. He received them with great humanity,
and gave directions for their immediate reception at his own
house, where a comfortable breakfast was provided, while he
went to inform the governor of their arrival.
The governor, Mr. William Adrian Van Este, notwithstand-
ing his extreme sickness, received them with great hospitality,
and exhibited the fullest proof of his being possessed of
humane and generous feelings. He said that he considered it
the greatest blessing of his life that they had fallen under his
protection ; and though such was his infirmity, that he could
not perform in person the duties he wished, yet he had full
confidence in their being faithfully performed by Mr. Wanjon,
his son-in-law, and the second in command. There was only
one uninhabited house in Coupang, which he assigned to
Captain Bligh, and for the people he offered either the hospital
or Captain Spikeman's vessel.
On examining the premises, Captain Bligh found that by
taking only one apartment to himself, he could find room for
the whole party. He accordingly allotted another room for
the master, surgeon, botanist, and gunner, a loft to the other
olficers, and an outer apartment to the men; the governor
generously furnishing them with bedding and other necessaries
for all of them.
At noon, they were supplied with a plentiful dinner, and
they retired to rest early, after having returned due thanks
to the Almighty, who had enabled them to endure such
heavy calamities, and to persevere in such rigid economy,
that they had eleven days' provisions remaining when they
arrived, so that had they been unfortunate enough to have
missed the Dutch settlement at Timor, they could, on the
same scanty allowance, have proceeded to Java.
To secure their arrival at Batavia, in the island of Java,
before the October fleet sailed for Europe. Captain Bligh
purchased a small schooner, thirty-four feet long, for which
he gave 1000 rix-doUars. This they fitted out for sea under
the name of his Majesty's schooner Resource ; and Mr. Wanjon
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 40i>
supplied them with four brass swivels and fourteen stand of
small arms, as a loan, to be returned at Batavia.
On July 20, Mr. Nelson, the botanist, died of an inflammatory
fever ; and was the next day interred in the burying-ground
behind the chapel appropriated to the Europeans of the
town.
The schooner being victualled and ready for sea, they took
an affectionate leave of the inhabitants of Coupang, and
sailed on the afternoon of August 20, taking the launch with
them in tow.
On Sunday, September 6th, they saw the high land of
Cape Sandana, in the north-east part of Java, and on the
10th, anchored off Passourwang, a Dutch settlement on the
coast.
On the next day they sailed, and anchored in Sourabaya-road,
where they were received by the governor with great friend-
ship and civility, and hospitably entertained.
They sailed on the 17th, and made Samarang, which, next
to Batavia, is the most considerable settlement which the
Dutch have in Java. After experiencing the hospitality of
the inhabitants, and receiving medicines and attention from
Mr. Abegg, the surgeon of the hospital, they sailed on the 26th
with a galley, mounting six swivels, which the governor had
ordered to accompany them to Batavia, where they arrived on
the 1st of October. Here they found a Dutch man-of-war
riding at anchor, besides twenty sail of Dutch East India ships,
and many smaller vessels.
In a few days Captain Bligh was seized with a fever,,
occasioned by the suffocating heat of the atmosphere ; and as
he could get no relief, he resolved to leave Batavia as soon as
possible : for this purpose he took a passage in a packet about
to sail to Europe, for himself, his clerk, and a servant, which
were all the vessel could accommodate.
On Friday, the 9th of October, the General Elliott arrived,
having saved a quantity of treasure that was on board the
Vansittart, an English East Indiaman, which had been lost in
the straits of Banca.
On the following day the Eesource was sold by Dutch
auction ; that is, the vessel put up at 2000 rix- dollars, from
which deductions were made until some person bid; unfortun-
ately no one offered, until it had been lowered to 295 dollars^
at which sbe was sold to an Englishman commanding a ship
from Bengal.
410 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
On the 16th of October, Captain Bligh embarked in the
packet, which was commanded by Captain Peter Couvret,
and bound for Middleburgh. The governor promised that
those of the company who remained behind, should follow in
the first ship, and be as little divided as possible. Mr. Fryer,
the master, had been previously authorised to supply the men
And officers left under his command with one month's pay,
to enable them to purchase clothing for their passage to
England.
On the 18th the packet spoke with the Eambler, an
American brig, bound from Boston to Batavia. After
passing the Straits of Sunda, they steered to the northward
of Cocos Isles.
Nothing of consequence occurred during the voyage to the
"Cape of Good Hope, from whence they sailed in company with
the Astree, French frigate, and on the 21st came in sight of
Ascension Island. On the 13th of March, 1790, they were off
the Bill of Portland, and on the evening of Sunday, the follow-
ing day, Captain Bligh left the packet, and was landed at the
Isle of Wight.
Those who had been left at Batavia were provided with
passages by the earliest ships; but though apparently in
good health at the time they were left by the captain, they
did not all live to quit Batavia. Thomas Hall died before
the departure of the packet, and Peter Linkletter and the
•master's mate, Mr. Elphinstone, within a fortnight after,
as the hardships they had experienced rendered them unable
to support so unhealthy a climate as that of Batavia ; but of
nineteen who were forced into the launch by the mutineers,
it pleased God that twelve should surmount the difficulties
and dangers of this unparalleled voyage, and live to re-visit
their native land.
Various causes have been assigned by the different persons
interested for such an unparalleled mutiny as that described
in the foregoing narrative; but it must be borne in mind,
that each of those who have given any insight into the details,
and described the actions of themselves or others, have natu-
rally been biased by the particular position in which they
liave been placed, and the feelings they would naturally
imbibe from their peculiar situation. Captain Bligh speaks
of the mutineers as harsh, unfeeling wretches, deaf to every
principle of humanity, but chiefly instigated to their purpose
hj the prospect of changing the toil and hardships of a sailor's
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 411
life, for the slothful indolence and luxurious ease which they
observed to be enjoyed by the natives of Otaheite ; whereas,
on the other hand, the conduct of Bligh towards his officers,
as related in a manuscript journal kept by Morrison, the
boatswain's mate, was so arbitrary, brutal, and disreputable,
as to be the chief, if not the sole cause of the rebellion of
Christian and his colleagues.
From the evidence it is apparent that at all events, some-
thing more than Captain Bligh set forth in his statement
passed between him and Mr. Christian ; we give one incident
{of which Captain Bligh took no notice) from Morrison's
Journal.
" On the afternoon of the 27th Captain Bligh came on deck,
and missing some of the cocoa-nuts, which had been piled up
between the guns, said they had been stolen, and could not
have been taken away without the knowledge of the officers,
all of whom were sent for and questioned on the subject. On
their declaring they had not seen any of the people touch
them, he exclaimed,
" * Then you must have taken them yourselves ! " and pro-
ceeded to inquire of them separately, how many they had
purchased. On coming to Mr. Christian, that gentleman
answered, —
'*'l do not know. Sir, but I hope you do not think me so
mean as to be guilty of stealing yours.'
" Captain Bligh replied, * Yes, you hound, I do — you must
have stolen them from me, or you would be able to give a
better account of them.* Then, turning to the other officers,
he said, you scoundrels, you are all thieves alike, and combine
with the men to rob me. I suppose you will steal my yams
next, but I'll sweat you for it, you rascals, — I'll make half of
you jump overboard, before you get through Endeavour
Straits."
About as pretty a specimen as could be given of this man's
capabilities of governing a ship's crew ! and his language,^ —
which would disgrace the frequenter of a pot-house — was
addressed to gentlemen, nearly or quite his equal in birth,
and if his language may be taken as a criterion, his superior
in everything else.
This is but one of the number of anecdotes produced, to
show that he indulged his every ebullition of a passionate
irritable temper, in wounding and disgusting the feelings of
his officers, in a manner so totally unfitting a gentleman.
412 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
bearing his Majesty's commission, that it could not fail ta
disgust and estrange the mind of every one from him. The
accounts, however, are very contradictory, and it is very
evident that the conduct of the mutineers was both unjustifi-
able and unpardonable.
Independent of th« object of the preceding voyage being
rendered abortive, so audacious and criminal an act of insu-
bordination as that committed by Christian and his associates
could not pass unnoticed. Captain Bligh was promoted to
the rank of commander, and a second time sent out to trans-
port the bread-fruit to the West Indies, which he succeeded
in accomplishing. The British government having resolved
to adopt every possible means to apprehend the mutineers
and bring them to punishment, and also to obtain a survey
of Endeavour Straits, for the purpose of facilitating the pas-
sage to Botany Bay, sent out the Pandora frigate, of twenty-
four guns, and one hundred and sixty-men, under the com-
mand of Captain Edward Edwards : with orders to proceed
in the first instance, to Otaheite, and if he did not find the
mutineers there, to visit the difierent groups of the Society
and Friendly Islands, and others in the neighbouring parts
of the Pacific ; and to use his best endeavours to seize and
bring home in confinement, the whole or such part of the
delinquents as they might be able to discover.
In January, 1791, the Pandora passed the Straits of Magel-
lan, and anchored in Matavai Bay the 23rd of March. Before
the ship had anchored, Joseph Coleman, the armourer of the
Bounty, attempted to come on board ; and several questions
were put to him about the Bounty and her people, to which
he gave ready replies. Soon afterwards he was followed by
Mr. Peter Heywood and Mr. Stewart, midshipmen, who were
brought down into the cabin ; when, after some conversation,
Heywood asked if Mr. Hay ward, midshipman of the Bounty,
but then Lieutenant of the Pandora, was on board, and who
was sent for. After further conversation, Captain Edwards
called to the sentinel to take them into custody, and to put
them in irons. Soon after this, four others arrived, and from
them and some of the natives, he learned that several of the
mutineers were still on the island ; but that Christian and
nine men had long since left it in the Bounty, saying to the
natives, that Captain Cook was living, and that Captain Bligh
had gone to settle at Whytutakee along with him. He also
learned that some of the people of the Bounty had built &
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 413
schooner, with which they had sailed the day before from
Matavai Bay to the K W. part of the island.
On this intelligence, he despatched the two lieutenants.
Corner and Hayward, with the pinnace and launch, to in-
tercept her. They soon got sight of her and chased her out
to sea ; but night coming on and the chase gaining on them,
they were compelled to give up the pursuit. They learned,
however, that she had returned to Paparr^, on which they
were again despatched in search of her. Lieutenant Corner
succeeded in taking three of the mutineers, and Hayward, on
arriving at Paparre, found the schooner, but the mutineers
had fled to the mountains. He carried off the schooner, and
returned next day, when hearing they were coming down, he
drew up his party in order to receive them ; and when with-
in hearing called to them to lay down their arms, which they
did, and they were brought prisoners to the ship.
The following persons were received on board the Pandora :
— Peter Hey wood, George Stewart, midshipmen; James
Morison, boatswain's mate; Charles Norman and Thomas
M'Intosh, carpenter's mates; Joseph Coleman, armourer;
Richard Skinner, Thomas Ellison, Henry Hilbrant, Thomas
Burkitt, John Millward, John Sumner, William Muspratt,
Eichard Byrne, seamen ; being fourteen in all.
From various statements of the mutineers, and from
journals that had been kept by some of them, it appeared
that after the departure of Captain Bligh in the launch they
proceeded to Toobouai, in lat. 20° 13\ S. long, 149° 35^ W., a
solitary island discovered by Captain Cook in 1777, and
which has since received the name of Pitcairn's Island, where
they anchored on May 25th, 1789. They had thrown over-
board the greater part of the bread-fruit plants, and divided
among themselves the property of the ofi&cers and men whom
they had so inhumanly turned adrift. They intended to have
formed a settlement at this island, but the opposition of the
natives, quarrels among themselves, and the want of many
necessary materials, determined them to go to Otaheite for
what they might require to effect their purpose. They
accordingly sailed from Toobouai about the latter end of the
month, and arrived at Otaheite on the 6th of June.
After receiving a large stock of provisions, with which the
Otaheiteans liberally supplied them, under the belief that it
was for Captains Cook and Bligh, who waited for them at
"Whytutakee, they left Otaheite on the 19th of June, taking
27
414 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
with them eight men, nine women, and seven boys, and
returned to Toobouai, where they arrived on the 26th.
They immediately commenced building a fort of forty
yards square, but disagreements among themselves, and con-
tinual disputes and skirmishes with the natives, rendered
their situation so disagreeable and unsafe, and the work went
on so slowly, that it was agreed to discontinue the building
of the fort. The men, instead of that voluptuous indolence
the hope of which had impelled them to this guilty course,
found nothing but hard work and hard fighting. Christian
very soon perceived that his authority was on the wane, and
a consultation was therefore held as to the most advisable
step to be taken. After much angry discussion, it was
determined, contrary to the advice of Christian, to return to
Otaheite that those who chose to go on shore might do so,
and that those who preferred to remain in the ship could then
proceed to whatever place they should agree upon among
themselves.
They accordingly sailed from Toobouai on the 15th, and
arrived at Matavai Bay on the 20th September, 1789. Six-
teen of the mutineers were put on shore, where they were
received by the natives with their usual fond cordiality ; but
Christian, justly apprehensive of the consequences of remain-
ing in Otaheite, slipped cable in the night, and made off with
all who were on board, amounting to nine English, six
Otaheitean men, and eleven women.
Of the sixteen who came on shore at Otaheite, Churchill
and Thompson, two of the most active in the mutiny,
perished by violent deaths. These two men had accom-
panied a chief, the tayo or sworn friend of Churchill ; who
having died without children, this mutineer succeeded to Ms
property and dignity, according to the custom of the country.
Thompson, for some real or fancied insult, took an oppor-
tunity of shooting his companion. The natives assembled,
and to avenge the murder, literally stoned Thompson to
death ; and his skull was brought on board the Pandora.
The remaining fourteen were received on board the
Pandora, as before-mentioned, and immediately placrd in
confinement. A round-house was built on the after-part of
the quarter-deck, for their more effectual security, and to
prevent their having any communication with, or crowding
the ship's company. This round-house was only eleven feet
long, built as a prison, and aptly named " Pandora's Box,"
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 415
^hich was entered by a scuttle in the roof, about eighteen
inches square. Instead, however, of two-thirds allowance, to
which prisoners are legally limited, they were victualled in
every respect the same as the ship's company. Their families
were also allowed to visit them ; a permission which gave rise
to the most affecting scenes. Every day the wives came
•down with their infants in their arms ; the fathers weeping
over their babes who were soon to be orphans, and husband
and wife mingling cries and tears at the prospect of eo
calamitous a separation.
It appears, that when the little schooner before-mentioned
had been finished, six of the fourteen mutineers that were at
Otaheite embarked in her, with the intention of proceeding
to the East Indies, and actually put to sea ; but meeting with
bad weather, and suspecting the nautical abilities of Morrison,
the boatswain's mate, who had first undertaken the construc-
tion of the vessel (assisted by the two carpenters, the cooper,
and some others), and whom they had elected as commanding
officer, they resolved to return to Otaheite. Stewart and
Heywood took no part in this transaction, as they had made
up their minds to remain at Otaheite, and there await the
arrival of a king's ship, as they deemed it morally certain
that one would be sent out in search of them ; and this is
confirmed by the alacrity which they displayed in getting on
board the Pandora the instant of her arrival.
The main objects of their expedition being thus fulfilled,
^nd an ample sea-store laid in, the Pandora left Otaheite on
the 8th of May, 1791, accompanied by the little schooner
which the mutineers had built. In point of size she was not
much larger than Lieutenant Bligh's launch, her dimensions
being thirty feet length on keel, thirty-five feet length on
deck, nine feet and a half extreme breadth, and five feet depth
of hold.
The Pandora touched at Huaheine and Bolabola; but
when they came to Wytutakee, they made particular in-
quiries, without obtaining any information ; the natives
declaring, that till now they had never seen a white man.
They accordingly made sail, and on the 22nd of May, reached
Palmerston's Islands, where they had no sooner landed, than
Lieutenant Corner found a yard and some spars with the
Inroad arrow upon them, and marked " Bounty." This induced
the captain to cause a minute search to be made in all these
islands, in the course of which the Pandora, being driven out
416 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
to sea by blowing weather, and it being very thick and hazy,
lost sight of the little schooner and a jolly-boat with a mid-
shipman and four men on board, the latter of which was
never more heard of. They cruised for two days, discharging
great and small guns, and burning false fires, but without
success, and they were obliged to leave them to their fate.
The Pandora now proceeded, and on the 29th arrived at
Annamooka, the principal of the Friendly Isles, where they
remained till the 8th of August, when they set sail, following
nearly the track of Captains Barteret and Bligh.
The vessel soon got into the track of Bougainville, whose
narrative had represented it as a dangerous route. For some
time they lay-to during the night ; but afterwards conceiving
that it was not consistent with the despatch now necessary,
they imprudently dropped that precaution. On the 25th
they saw breakers, and more towards noon, extending in such
a direction as to bar their progress southward. They then
stood to the westward, but soon discovered another reef,
which appeared to close all progress. The boat was sent out
to look for an opening, and about five o'clock the signal was
made that one had been found, when they made signals for
the boats to return, from the dread of losing her like the
tender and jolly-boat.
Night had just closed, the boat was on board, and the sails
were trimmed ; but scarcely had the Pandora began to move,
when the alarm was given that she had struck on a reef.
They had a quarter less two fathoms on the larboard side,
and three fathoms on the starboard side ; the sails were braced
about different ways to endeavour to get her off, but to na
purpose ; they were then clewed up and afterwards furled,
the top-gallant yards got down, and the top-gallant masts
struck. Boats were hoisted out with a view to carry out an
anchor, but before that could be effected the ship struck so
violently on the reef, that the carpenter reported she made
eighteen inches of water in five minutes ; and in five minutes
more there were four feet water in the hold. In this dread-
ful crisis all hands were turned to the pumps, and to bale
at the different hatchways, and a number of prisoners were
released from irons and put to this work ; but the leak con-
tinued to gain upon them so fast, than in little more than an
hour and a half after she struck, the water was nine feet
deep in the hold. About ten o'clock they perceived that the
ship had beaten over the reef, and was in ten fathoms water :
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 417
they therefore let go the small bower-anchor, cleared away
a cable, and also let go the best bower-anchor in fifteen and
a half fathoms water under foot to steady the ship. Some
of her guns were thrown overboard, and the water gaining
upon them only in a small degree, they flattered themselves
that, by the assistance of a thrummed topsail, which they
were preparing to haul under the ship's bottom, they might
be able to lessen the leak, and to free her of the water ; but
these flattering hopes did not last long ; for as she settled in
the water, the leak increased to such an extent, that there
was every reason to apprehend she would sink before day-
light. The night was dark and stormy, and they were every-
where encompassed by rocks, shoals, and breakers, and un-
fortunately two of the pumps were for some time rendered
useless ; one of them, however, was repaired, and they con-
tinued baleing and pumping, between life and death, with-
out being able to prevent the continual ingress of the water.
At length the ship began to heel : one man was killed by a
gun running to leeward, and another by the fall of a spare
topmast. The people at the pumps became faint, but were
supported by rations of excellent strong beer, which served
the purpose much better than spirits ; and they continued
intrepid and obedient to the last.
About half-an-hour before daybreak, a council of officers
was held, when it was unanimously decided, " that nothing
more could be done for the preservation of his Majesty's
ship." It then became necessary to provide for the preserva-
tion of the people. The four boats, consisting of one launch,
one eight-oared pinnace, and two six-oared yawls, with care-
ful hands in them, were kept astern of the ship; a small
quantity of bread, water, and other necessary articles, were
put into each ; two canoes which they had on board were
lashed together and put into the water ; rafts were made, and
spars, booms, hencoops, and everything buoyant, were cut off,
as means of safety, which might be clung to in the last
extremity.
The double canoe, that was able to support a considerable
number of men, broke adrift with only one man, and was
bulged upon a reef, affording no assistance when she was so
much wanted on this melancholy and trying occasion. Two
of the boats were laden wiih men and sent to a small sandy
island, or key, about four miles from the wreck, while the
418 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
other two boats remained near the ship to pick up all the
men that could be seen.
Three of the Bounty's people, Coleman, Norman, and
M'Intosh, were let out of irons, but no notice was taken of
the other prisoners, although Captain Edwards was entreated
to have mercy on them, as he passed over their prison in
effecting his own escape; but, fortunately, the master-at-
arms, when slipping from the roof of " Pandora's Box " into
the sea, let the keys of the irons fall through the scuttle,
which he had just before opened, and enabled them to effect
their own liberation.
Scarcely was this effected when the ship went down, leav-
ing nothing visible but the topmast cross-trees. The master-
at-arms, and all the sentinels sunk to rise no more The
cries of them, and the other drowning men, were awful in
the extreme ; and more than half-an-hour elapsed before the
survivors could be taken up by the boats On mustering the
people that were saved, it appeared that eighty-nine of the
ship's company answered to their names, and ten of the
mutineers that had been prisoners on board ; but thirty-one
of the ship's company and four mutineers were lost. They
now hauled up the boats, and examined the stock of pro-
visions that had been saved. They were found to consist
of two or three bags of bread, two or three breakers of
water, and a little wine, with which they were to find their
way from the eastern extremity of New Guinea to the settle-
ment in Timor.
A day was passed in putting the boats into the best order
they could, and distributing the crew and prisoners among
them. Thirty were put into the launch, and the pinnace and
the red and the blue yawls had twenty-three in each. The
ten prisoners were divided by twos and threes. They left
the island at twelve o'clock on the 1st of September. They
soon found themselves on the coast of New Holland; and
the red yawl made the agreeable discovery of a fine bay,
where there was a spring of excellent water at the foot of the
beach. They drank, and filled a tea-kettle and two great
bottles ; but the other boats were, unfortunately, too far a-
head to be called back. The necessity of keeping together
being urgent, as their supplies were in the launch, they towed
each other during the night. At midnight they were alarmed
by the cry of "breakers a-head," but fortunately they
succeeded in getting clear of them.
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 419
Noit day they came to an inhabited island, but the natives
making a hostile appearance, and letting fly a shower of
arrows among them, they made no further attempt to procure
relief. In the evening they reached one which they called
Laforey's Island, where they landed and slept during the
night. In the morning they succeeded in discovering a
spring, with which they filled to the brim every article on
board that would hold liquid, including the carpenter's boots,
which were first emptied from the fear of leakage.
After leaving Laforey's Island, they entered the vast abyss
of the Indian Ocean, of which they had a thousand miles to
cross. They soon encountered so heavy a swell, that it
threatened destruction to their little fleet. Apprehensive of
their being separated, as they had not the means of dividing
the water, their first resource was to take each other in tow ;
bat the swell ran so high, that in the middle of the night a
new tow-line broke, and after being made fast, broke a
second time, which obliged them, after several trials, to give
up the towing system, as it would have torn the boats to
pieces. Notwithstanding the supply of water which they had
procured, their allowance was still so short, and their thirst
so severe, that several in desperation drank their own urine,
and many drank salt water, but in both cases with fatal re-
sults. They also endeavoured to procure coolness by applying
wet cloths, dipped in salt water ; but so great an absorption
took place, through heat and fever, that the fluids were
tainted with the salt, and the saliva in the mouth became
intolerable.
In this miserable state they remained from the 2nd to the
13th of September, when land was discovered, but a dead
calm prevented them from nearing the coast until the follow-
ing day, and there was such a prodigious surf, that landing
could not be attempted. At length, about twelve o'clock, the
red yawl run into a creek, upon which the other boats divided
the remainder of the water, and, animated with fresh spirits,
dashed manfully across a somewhat formidable reef which
interposed, and found a fine spring of water, which afforded
immediate relief. They were very hospitably treated by the
natives, who brought them large supplies, giving them as
much pork and fowls as they wanted for a few buttons.
They sat down and made a very hearty dinner, but the weak
state of their minds and bodies made them so alarmed, and
caused such a general gloom to steal upon them, that the
420 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
night was spent in a succession of groundless panics and
unnecessary fear.
They set sail at one o'clock on the following day, and at
five in the succeeding afternoon, they landed at Coupang.
The former governor was dead, and was succeeded by Vanion,
his son-in-law, the same as called Wanjon by Bligh. He
received them with the same hospitality and generous kind-
ness that was so fully experienced by their unfortunate pre-
decessors, and not only supplied all their wants, but did
everything in his power to regale them, and make them spend
their time agreeably. On the 6th of October, the party
embarked in the Eombang, Dutch East-Indiaman, and sailed
through the Straits of Alias. At the island of Flores, they
encountered a most dreadful storm, with thunder and
lightning ; the pumps were choked, and the ship was driven
impetuously on a barbarous shore that lay on their lee. The
Dutch mariners were affrighted at the storm, and the vessel
was saved by the skill and intrepidity of the British tars.
On the 30th they arrived at Samarang, where they had the
delightful surprise of meeting the little schooner so long given
up for lost. All the sympathies of human nature, in their
utmost warmth, were called forth on both sides ; and with
eyes streaming with joy, they recounted to each other the
mutual tale of shipwreck, famine, peril, and disaster.
The crew of the tender, on the unfortunate night when
they parted with their companions, were attacked by the
natives in a numerous and powerful body, but being possessed
of fire-arms, they succeeded in keeping them off. On the
next day the ship was missing, and was sought for in vain ;
and their situation now became critical in the extreme. The
distress for want of water was so excessive, that one young
man became deranged, and did not recover for several months.
In endeavouring to make for Annamooka, they stumbled
upon Tofoa, the scene of Captain Bligh's disaster, and experi-
enced a similar treacherous attempt, which was defeated, in
consequence of their being well armed ; thus they, with due
precaution, could afterwards carry on a trade with the natives
for necessary supplies.
They had now to enter on the same career as Captain
Bligh, with one very important advantage, however, that
being provided with fire-arms, they could venture to land at
the different islands on their route, and procure that which
they most urgently wanted. They, however, neglected his
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 421
precaution of steering southwards in order to clear New
■Guinea ; the consequence of which was that they encountered
the same reef upon which the Pandora had perished, and
traversed long from shore to shore, without being able to find
a passage. At length they were placed between the dreadful
alternative of shipwreck or famine ; and, as a last resource,
they boldly pushed forward, and succeeded in beating over
the reef. After passing Endeavour Straits, they were picked
up by a small Dutch vessel, where they were received on
board, and treated with great humanity; but as no officer
under the rank of lieutenant bears a commission, they had no
document to show, and fell under the suspicion of being the
mutineers of the Bounty. They were therefore kept under
a short, though humane, sicrmillance, until the appearance of
their fellow-seamen dispelled all suspicion.
This little schooner was a remarkably swift sailer, and
being afterwards employed in the sea-otter trade, is stated to
have made one of the quickest passages ever known from
China to the Sandwich Islands. This memorable little vessel
was purchased at Canton, by the late Captain Broughton, to
assist him in surveying the coast of Tartary, and became the
means of preserving the crew of his Majesty's ship Providence,
amounting to one hundred and twelve men, when wrecked to
the eastward of Formosa, in the year 1797.
On the 7th of November, Captain Edwards and his party
arrived at Batavia, where it was agreed with the Dutch East-
India Company, to divide the whole of the ship's company
and prisoners among four of their ships proceeding to Europe.
The latter the captain took with him in the Vreedenburgh ;
but finding his Majesty's ship the Gorgon at the Cape, he
transhipped himself and prisoners, and proceeded in her to
Spithead, where he arrived on the 19th of June, 1792. On
the second day after their arrival at Spithead, the prisoners
were transferred to the Hector, commanded by Captain (late
Admiral Sir George) Montague, where they were treated with
the greatest humanity; and every indulgence allowed that
-could with propriety be extended to men in their unhappy
situation, until the period when they were to be arraigned
before the competent authority, and put on their trials for
mutiny and piracy, which did not take place till the arrival
of the remainder of the prisoners.
On the 24th of October, the king's warrant was despatched
from the Admiralty, granting a full and free pardon to
422 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
Hey wood and Morrison, and respite for Muspratt, which was
followed by a pardon; and for carrying the sentence into
execution upon Ellison, Burkitt, and Millward, which was
done on the 29th, on board his Majesty's ship Brunswick, in
Portsmouth harbour. A party from each ship in the harbour^
and at Spithead, attended the execution, and the example
seemed to make a great impression upon the minds of all the
ships' companies present.
Twenty years had passed away, and the Bounty and Fletcher
Christian, and the piratical crew that he had carried off with
him in that ship, had long ceased to occupy a thought in the
public mind. The fate of those who had escaped continued
to be involved in mystery, and only vague rumours reached
Europe till light was unexpectedly thrown upon it by the
following voyage.
On the 31st of December, 1813, Sir Thomas Stainee, captain
-yf His Majesty's frigate the Briton, was ordered to sail with
a fleet for the East Indies.
On the 2nd of September, the Briton reached the Marquesas,
and discovered a fertile shore, varied with huts, cultivation,
and people. Among the latter there appeared an alacrity
much greater than usual to come out and hail the Europeans.
The people were making signs, launching their little canoes
through the surf, and as soon as they were afloat, pulling to-
wards the ship with the most eager despatch. The captain
was mustering the few words of the Marquesan tongue which
he had picked up, to hail them with, when to the utter
amazement of himself and all present, a voice came from
the nearest canoe, asking in good English,
" What is the ship's name ? " and on receiving an answer,
added, " Who is the commander ? "
A regular intercourse now commenced, and they were
requested to come on board. They were ready to do so, but
had no boat-hook to hold on by ; they were offered a rope, but
had nothing to make it fast to ; their zeal, however, mastered
every difficulty, and in a few minutes they were on board the
ship. They seemed perfectly at ease, and under no appre-
hension ; but the crew were still lost in wonder, when one of
their visitors said,
"Do you know William Bligh, in England ? "
The veil immediately fell from their eyes, and they saw
themselves about to fathom the depths of that mystery, which
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 423^
had hithertxD involved the fate of Christian and his unhappy"
comradea The question was instantly put,
" Do you know one Christian ? "
" Oh, yes, there is his son coming up in the next boat ; his-
name is Friday Fletcher October Christian ; his father is dead
now."
Anxiety was now raised to the highest pitch, to learn
everything relating to this mysterious transaction ; question
was put upon question, and from the answers which were
readily given, we may trace the further career of Christian
and his associates.
After leaving sixteen of their number on shore, at Matavai
Bay, as before-mentioned, he again steered for Pitcairn's
Island, and rejoined the establishment there, which the
natives seem to have made no further attempts to oppose ;
but a more deadly evil afflicted the rising colony. A mortal
jealousy arose between the English and the Otaheiteans; for
which, on the part of the latter, there seems to have been but
too good ground. Christian's wife having died in childbed,
soon after the birth of their eldest son, he forcibly seized on
the wife of one of the Otaheiteans : which so enraged the
injured and justly incensed husband, that in the fury of
resentment, characteristic of savages, he determined on a
bloody revenge. Taking advantage of the moment when
Christian was busy in his yam plantation, he shot him in the
back ; the wound was mortal, and the unhappy man at once
expiated his crimes with his life.
This was the signal for a general rising of the Otaheiteans.
The English were surprised and overcome ; two were killed,
and John Adams, wounded, fled into the woods. This dread-^
ful scene was followed by another still more tragical, and
which seems almost to realise the dark traditions of ancient
fable. The Otaheitean females, like those of most savage
races, had always felt a strong partiality in favour of the
Europeans ; and this preference, so cruel and mortifying to
their own countrymen, had been one main cause of the deadly
enmity between the two races. Spectators of the late fatal
contest, their feelings wrought to such a pitch of regret and
indignation, that, belieing all that gentleness which is proper
to the female character, they rose in the depth of night, and,,
like the two celebrated daughters of Danaus, murdered, in
their sleep, their unsuspecting husbands and countrymen.
In this dreadful manner, Adams, and the few surviving;
424 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
English were saved : yet out of this abyss of horror, there
has, by a happy Providence, arisen a society bearing no
stamp of the guilty origin from which it sprung. A new race
arose, removed from the scenes of violence in which they had
received their birth, and carefully instructed, as far as their
teachers were capable, in the duties of religion and the ties
of social life. The only survivor of the original body, at the
time of the arrival of the Briton, was John Adams, a man of
a mild and amiable disposition, of about sixty years of age,
and who denied any participation in the crime of the
mutineers. He was reverenced as the father of the colony,
and ruled with a paternal sway over this little community.
Their numbers had now increased to forty-eight, of whom six
were the Otaheitean females who had accompanied the
Europeans in their first establishment in the colony : a great
proportion of them were still in childhood ; but there were
eleven fine young men, grown up, and about as many of the
other sex.
The islanders always spoke English, though they under-
stood the Otaheitean. The men appeared to be a fine race,
about five feet ten inches in height, with manly features, and
long black hair. Their only attire was a mantle, which went
over the shoulders and hung down to the knee, being tied
round the waist by a girdle, both produced from the bark of
trees growing on the island. On the head they wore a straw
hat, with a few feathers stuck in it by way of ornament.
The young women had invariably beautiful teeth, fine eyes,
and open expression of countenance, with an engaging air of
simple innocence and sweet sensibility.
As soon as the first burst of curiosity on both sides had
been gratified, the islanders were invited to share the break-
fast which had been served up in the cabin, where, before
sitting down to table, they fell on their knees, and with up-
lifted hands implored the blessing of heaven on the meal
which they were about to partake of : at the close of the re-
past they resumed the same attitude, and breathed a fervent
prayer of thanksgiving for the bounty which they had just
experienced. Upon the whole, the crew of the Briton were
highly gratified by the intercourse with these simple natives,
whose deportment displayed an active intelligence and a
liberal curiosity, coupled at the same time with very amiable
dispositions.
In consequence of the short supply of provisions, the
MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. 425
Briton was only enabled to remain two days off the island ;
but before leaving the island, the captain went on shore to
visit Adams. After passing through groves of cocoa-nut and
bread-fruit trees, they came to a beautiful picturesque little
village : the houses were small, arranged in an oblong square^
with trees interspersed ; they were regular, convenient, and
excessively clean. The captain was immediately introduced
to Adams, whom he found a fine-looking old man approach-
ing to sixty. In a long private interview which he had with
him, they conversed fully on everything relating to the
mutiny of the Bounty. He solemnly disavowed all previous-
knowledge of, or consent to the conspiracy formed by
Christian ; but at the same time admitted that, by following
the fortunes of that unhappy man, he had lost every right to
his country, and that his life was even forfeited to the laws.
He was now at the head of a little community by whom he
was adored, and whom he carefully instructed in the duties
of religion, industry, and friendship.
The greatest want of this little family was that of the
means of reading and writing. Adams, though very little
skilled in writing, had been at great pains to preserve the
chronology of the period during which he resided at Pitcairn's
Island. After having exhausted his little stock of paper and
ink, he used a slate and stone pencil, and had kept such a
careful record of each day, with the week, month, and year to
which it belonged, that there was only one day's difference
between his calculation and that of the Briton, which may be
accounted for by their having each half circumnavigated the
globe from an opposite direction. Sir Thomas accommodated
them with all the paper he could spare, and received in
return a copy of Captain Cook's first voyage which had
belonged to Captain Bligh, and contained a number of
marginal notes in his writing.
Nothing more was heard of Adams and his family for
nearly twelve years ; when, in 1826, Captain Beechey, in the
Blossom, who was bound on a voyage of discovery, paid a
visit to Pitcairn's Island. They found that a whale-ship had
been there in the meantime, and left a person of the name of
John Buffet. He proved to be an able and willing school-
master, and had taken upon himself the duty of clergyman.
They found the inhabitants as well-disposed as described by
Sir Thomas Staines, but still greatly in want of many neces-
saries in wearing-apparel, and implements of agriculture. In
42G VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
consequence of a representation made by Captain Beechey to
this effect, his Majesty's government sent to Valparaiso for
the necessary articles, which arrived in his Majesty's ship
"Seringapatam, commanded by Captain the Hon. William
Waldegrave, who arrived there in March, 1830.
The ship had scarcely anchored, when George Young was
alongside in his canoe; and soon after, Friday Fletcher
October Christian, with several others in a jolly-boat, who
were invited to breakfast. They announced the death of
John Adams, which took place in March, 1829.
Thus ended the mutiny of the Bounty, pregnant with loss
of life, whose origin might be traced to the imaginary loss of
some half dozen cocoa-nuts. Oh ! that sailors from its
perusal might learn the virtue of strict obedience to their
commanders, and the fearful result of wandering from the
path of rectitude and honour ; and that captains, with their
mighty power, may treat their subordinates, not as slaves and
brutes, but as men !
Loss OF Duke of Cumberland,
IN THE WEST INDIES.
The Duke of Cumberland packet, commanded by Captain
Lawrence, was, on the morning of Monday, September 3, 1804,
lying at anchor in the road of St. John's, waiting to receive
the mail, which was expected to come on board that day.
His majesty's ship Serapis, of forty-four guns, armed en
flute, lay about two miles farther out, in readiness to convey
the packet down to Tortola. The wind had been blowing
very fresh from the north during the night, and at noon had
considerably increased. His majesty's ship De Euyter, an
old seventy-four, which had lately been brought there to be
fitted up as a prison-ship, lay at anchor in Deep Bay : she
had a very weak crew on board, and made signals of distress
to the Serapis ; and at twelve o'clock a boat came on board
the Cumberland, to request the aid of some men to assist the
Serapis in relieving the De Euyter; but this Captain Lawrence
could not, with propriety, grant. At this time the Cumber-
land had been obliged to strike their top-gallantmasts, and at
LOSS OF DUKE OF CUMBERLAND. 427
two o'clock they let go the best bower-anchor, having previ-
ously been riding with only the small bower.
The gale still continued to increase, and by six o'clock in
the evening it blew a perfect storm from the KN.W., when
they struck their yards and topmasts ; but they had scarcely
finished this work, when they discovered that the vessel had
parted her best bower-cable. This unexpected circumstance
surprised and alarmed them exceedingly, as the rope was
nearly new, and they had been assured that the bottom of
the roadstead was a fine hard sand ; it must have been cut
upon a ship's anchor, or on a bed of coral rock. They im-
mediately bent the remaining part of it to the stream-anchor,
and the stream-cable to the kedge ; but as the wind continued
to rage with unabated violence, and the ship pitched im-
moderately, they were fearful that the cable should give way,
a-nd at ten o'clock they let go the two remaining anchors.
Everything had now been done for the safety of the ship
that was in the power of the crew, the rest they confided to
Providence; and having recommended themselves to the
protection of the Almighty, they remained passive, but
anxious spectators, of the awful scene, and awaited the event
in silent dread. To men who were so deeply interested in
the effects of the storm no scene could be so fearfully grand ;
the wind raged with a fury known only within the tropics ;
the rain fell, not in drops, but in torrents, like a deluge ; the
waves had risen to a most stupendous height ; the ship was
pitching, one moment with her forecastle under water, and
the next pointing to the skies ; they had already lost their
best cable and were in momentary expectation of parting
with the rest ; and, to add to the horrors of their situation,
the vivid flashes of the lightning discovered to them, not-
withstanding the pitchy darkness of the night, that so soon
as they should part or drive away from their mornings, a
reef of horrid rocks lay to leeward ready to receive them. In
such a situation of harrowing suspense and awful uncertainty,
each man was sensible of the absolute impossibility of singly
combating the terrific agitation of the conflicting elements,
and their feeble expectations of saving their lives rested
solely on the frail hope of the ship being able to ride out the
tempest.
The glare of the lightning had frequently shown them the
masts of the De Euyter, and they could perceive that she
was driving from her moorings ; she, however, suddenly dis-
428 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
appeared, when they at once concluded that she must have
foundered, and they also supposed that the Serapis had
shared the same fate. About eleven o'clock, there was a
violent crash on board, accompanied by a most tremendoua
noise, when they found that the windlass had given way.
The sailors immediately clapped stoppers upon the cables,
and secured them by means of ring-bolts on the decks : these
were continually breaking, and were as often replaced.
The cable had now held so long, that they began to entertain
some faint hope of her being able to ride out the gale, and
so much did this strengthen, that several of them quitted the
deck to obtain some refreshment, but they had scarcely sat
down when a loud groan from the crew summoned them again
upon deck. They dreaded the worst, when the captain put
an end to their doubts by running forward, exclaiming, "All's
now over ! Lord God have mercy upon us ! " The cable had
parted ; for about two minutes the ship hung by the stream
and kedge, and then began to drive broadside out, dragging
them along with her. Their feelings at this awful moment
language is inadequate to describe, nor is there any similar
situation to which it is possible to compare them. Some of
the seamen seemed at this time, for a moment to forget
themselves ; their cries for their wives, their children, and
their homes, resounded through the ship in noisy but vain
lamentations ; but they soon became sensible of their folly,
and resumed their wonted firmness.
As soon as the ship parted, which was about midnight, each
man flew to a rope, with the determination of clinging to it
as long as the ship remained entire. Fortunately, the wind
had shifted somewhat more to the westward, and this pre-
vented her from striking on the reef of rocks which they had
so much dreaded. For above an hour they had continued to-
drift, without their having the slightest conception of the
direction in which they were going ; but they continued to
hold on by the rigging, their bodies beaten by the heaviest
rain, and lashed by every wave. A dreadful silence ensued,
as each one was too intent on his own approaching end to be
able to communicate his feelings to another, while nothing
could be heard but the horrid howling of the tempest. Soon
after one o'clock the ship struck, and immediately went off
again; and this circumstance, together with several lights being,
seen before them at a distance, convinced them that they were
driving towards the harbour of St. John's, and that they had
LOSS OF DUKE OF CUMBERLAND. 429
struck on the bar. They saw before them a large object,
which they dreaded was Eat Island, a perpendicular rock in
the centre of the harbour, upon which was a fort. This they
were fast approaching, and that the garrison might be
spectators of their fate, for it was in vain to think of assist-
ance, they fired two alarm guns ; but from the tremendous
noise of the wind and waves, they were doubtful if the sound
could be heard.
However, they soon discovered that the object which they
were approaching, was a large ship, on which they were
directly driving, and they soon came up with her, passing
close under her stern.
At first they imagined that she would strike upon a sandy
beach; and as they could plainly discern two large ships
ashore just abreast of them, they buoyed themselves with the
hope that they should be driven on board these vessels ; but
in this they were disappointed ; they drove past, beating with
violence at every wave, and in a few seconds found the ship
bring up on some horrid rocks, at the foot of a stupendous
precipice. Every hope now vanished, and in despair of the
slightest chance of relief, they already began to consider
themselves as beings of another world. The vessel was
dashed with extreme violence against the rocks, and they
could distinctly hear the cracking of her timbers below.
In order to ease the vessel, and if possible to prevent her
from parting, they immediately cut away the mizen-mast
and shortly afterwards the foremast; but they allowed the
mainmast to remain, in order to steady the ship, and to pre-
vent her, if possible, from canting to windward, by which they
must all have been inevitably drowned.
It was about two o'clock in the morning, when the vessel
struck, and in half an hour afterwards they found that the
water was up to her lower deck. Never, perhaps, was day-
light so anxiously looked for, as by the almost despairing
crew of this unfortunate vessel. After having held on so
long by the shrouds, they were forced to cling for three hours
longer before the dawn appeared ; and during this time they
were under the continual dread of the ship's parting and
launching them all into eternity. The vessel lay on her
beam ends, with the sea making a complete breach over her ;
and stiff and benumbed as they were, it was with the utmost
difficulty they could preserve their hold against the force of
the waves, e\ery one of which struck and nearly drowned
28
430 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
them. The break of day only discovered to them the
horrors of their situation ; the veseel was lying upon large
rocks, at the foot of a craggy, overhanging precipice, hove as
high as the ship's mainmast ; and although the mizenmast
had been cut away, it still hung in a diagonal direction,
supported by some ropes, and reached within about four
fathoms of the rock. The land forming a sort of bay around
them, also approached a-head ; and the extremity of the jib-
boom was at no great distance from it. — They could plainly
discern several ships on shore in various parts of the
harbour, and the wind and rain continued to beat on them
with unabated violence.
The ship lay a most miserable wreck; one wave had
carried away her stern boat, unshipped her rudder, and
washed overboard her quarter-boards, binnacle, and round-
house ; her fore and mizenmasts lay alongside, supported by
small ropes, and the ship had bilged her larboard side. After
the dawn appeared, their first thoughts were naturally
directed to the possibility of saving their lives, and they
were unanimously of opinion that their only chance of
effecting this, was by means of the mizenmast. With this
view, they immediately got the topmast and top-gallant-
masts launched out on it, which reached within a few feet of
the rock ; but that part of the precipice which it approached
was so perpendicular, that it afforded but very faint hopes
of relief, unless by the aid of some bushes which grew on the
top. These were soon made trial of by a sailor ; but after he
had thrown a rope, with a noose on the end of it, and which
had caught hold of some of the largest bushes, they had the
mortification to see them brought away in an instant, dis-
covering the roots of the shrubs to be fastened only to a
much decayed, weather-beaten rock, incapable of affording
them support sufficient to withstand the smallest weight.
Another seaman, to whom despair had lent an extra-
ordinary degree of courage, followed the first man out on the
mast, with the intention of throwing himself from the end
upon the rock, and had proceeded to the extremity of the
top-gallantmast, when, just as he was on the point of leaping
among the bushes, the pole of the mast, unable to sustain his
weight, gave way, and he was precipitated into the water.
As the fall was at least forty feet, it was some time before he
made his appearance above the surface of the water, and
when he did, every one expected to see him dashed to pieces
LOSS OF DUKE OF CUMBERLAND. 431
among the rocks ; but, fortunately, he had carried down with
him a piece of the broken mast, to which some small ropes
were attached, and by clinging fast hold of these, he preserved
his head above water, at the intervals of the waves' receding,
until a tackle could be fixed to hoist him in.
This blasted all their hopes of being saved by means of the
mizenmast; and yet some decisive measure was absolutely
necessary — for, as the storm continued to rage with unabated
violence, they began still more to dread that the ship would
part, as she had already bilged on the larboard side; and,
moreover, the whole crew had been so fatigued by their
previous exertions, and dispirited and benumbed by the con-
stant exposure to wet and exhaustion, that they were scarcely
able to hold out any longer. It was in vain to look around
them for assistance ; they were not seen from the town, and
ihe ships which were in sight, had it not in their power to
render them any aid. Some negroes, indeed, made their
appearance on the top of the rock, and were earnestly re-
quested to descend a little way, that they might receive a rope
to be thrown from the ship ; but whether from fear or sheer
stupidity, they could not make out which, these creatures
made not the least motion to approach them, but stood
gaping in the most idiotical manner, sometimes at the ship
and sometimes at themselves, in spite of reiterated entreaties^
promises, and threats.
Whilst they were meditating on their situation in sullen
silence, Mr. Doncaster, the chief mate, without communicat-
ing his intention to any one, went out on the bowsprit, and
having reached the end of the jib-boom, threw himself head-
long into the water; he had scarcely fallen, when a tremendous
wave threw him upon the rock and left him dry. There he
remained a few minutes motionless, when a second wave
washed him still further up. He then clung to a projection
of the cliff, by which he effectually preserved his hold ; and
after remaining a few minutes to recover his breath and
recruit himself, he began to scramble up the rock. The
preservation of Mr. Doncaster was almost miraculous, for all
the ship's company were unanimous in declaring it to be next
to an impossibility; indeed, it appeared to be a singular
interposition of Providence in their behalf.
The instant that he reached the summit, he came round to
that part which was over against the vessel; and, descending
a little way, received a rope which was thrown from the
432 VOYAGES AND SHIPWRECKS.
main-top, and fastened the end to some trees which grew on
the top of the cliff, while those on board secured the other
extremity to the head of the mizzen-topmast. This being
done, a few of the most expert seamen warped themselves up
upon it, carrying with them the end of another rope, upon
which a tackle was bent, and this they fastened also to the
trees ; the other end of the tackle was made fast to the
mizenmast, and the fold of it passed to the crew upon deck.
By means of this rope, which was fastened to their waists,
and the first rope by which they were supported, and warping
along it with their hands, in the space of three hours they
were all safely hoisted to the top of the cliff, with the excep-
tion of a few of the most active seamen, who were left to the
last, and were obliged to warp themselves up as the first had
done.
Having assembled on the rock, they bade farewell to their
miserable vessel, and took their departure towards the town.
But their difficulties were not yet at an end ; the whole plain
was before them, and in consequence of the immense quantity
of rain which had fallen, and which was still pouring down in
torrents, it had more the appearance of a large lake, through
which it was with the greatest difficulty they could find their
way ; and in those places where roads or furrows had been
made, they frequently plumped in up to the neck, in imminent
hazard of being carried down by the stream.
After wading for about three miles through fields of canes
whose tops were barely visible above the water, they reached
the town of St. John's, where they were so hospitably received,
that had it not been for the kind offices of a mulatto tailor, to
whom they sent for clothes, and who carried them to a house,
where they were furnished with beds and provisions, they
might have died from the want of food and necessaries. In
a few hours afterwards, the wind chopped round to the south,
from which quarter it blew with the same violence. The
hurricane lasted eight-and -forty hours, during which time it
made a complete sweep of half the compass, beginning at N.
and ending at S. This favourable change saved the Cumber-
land packet from breaking up, and, they found her lying
upon the rocks, nearly dry, with five large holes in her lar-
board side; and they were thus enabled to save some of
their linen that was floating in the hold.
The End.
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