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 
 
 c 
 
 O 
 
 Q 
 
 C/5 
 
 c 
 
 H 
 
 oo 
 VO 
 
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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