remains of a boat in every respect similar to that in which they embarked, were distinctly seen on the rocks, at the distance of about fifty yards from the ship, bottom up, and with her sides stove in. The water being clear and shallow, we could see that she was held there by a harpoon and lance, which constituted a part of the fishing implements, or crafts, in the boat when she left. These were apparently stuck into the crevices of the coral rock (of which the whole reef is composed) either by accident or design; and the presumption is, that she became fast in that place, and that the waves swept that portion of our companions in suffering into a watery grave. But this, though a melancholy subject of reflection, is not without some circumstances of consolation; for, admitting that they thus met their fate, they were saved from that extremity of suffering which some of the ship's crew were destined to experience. Were such a death, or the pains of captivity endured by my associates and myself, to be the only alternatives, I have doubted whether I should not prefer the former. To be far from kindred and friends, among a people but one grade above the most ferocious beasts, sick at heart, and deprived of necessary food, stripped of our clothing, and subjected to unheard-of severities,—to endure all this, was to purchase a continuance of life at a dear rate.

Soon after the departure of the first boat, the captain, thinking it impossible for the ship to hold together till morning, ordered his own boat to be let down. This could be effected only by the united exertions of the whole of the remaining part of the crew. Some of the men, and myself among the rest, had resolved upon remaining on the ship to the last; and, considering it impossible for a boat to live, we earnestly expostulated with the captain, for the purpose of persuading him not to hazard the experiment. But he seemed to think it best to make it, and with great earnestness entreated the men to assist him in lowering his boat. As this was a time when but little attention could be paid to the distinctions usually kept up on board, I suggested that it might be well to cut away the masts, believing that this would relieve the ship, and cause her to lie easier upon the rock. This was the more necessary on account of her position being such as to render it next to impossible to let down the boat. The proposal was acceded to; and, seizing an axe, I assisted in cutting away the masts and rigging. This, to some extent, had the desired effect; and we were enabled, at length, by great exertion, to lower the boat. The captain, Charles C. Bouket, William Sedon, and William Jones, immediately placed themselves in it, and commenced preparing to leave us. In compliance with his request, a rope was fastened round the waist of the captain, so that should the boat be destroyed, as there was reason to apprehend she would be, there might be some chance of rescuing him from the waves. They were furnished with the necessary nautical instruments, log-book, a bag of clothing, a small quantity of bread in a tin tureen, and a keg of water. The boat was at this time suspended by her falls, and, with a view of letting themselves down, the captain stood in the stern, and Bouket in the forward part of the boat, both having hold of the falls. Sedon still held on by the boat's lashing. Jones had nothing in his hands. At this conjuncture, a tremendous sea broke into the boat, and dashed it in pieces;—so entire was the destruction, that not a fragment was afterwards seen. Jones was soon after seen floating in the water apparently dead. Sedon, in consequence of having hold of the boat's fastenings, saved himself by climbing into the ship. Bouket, being an expert swimmer, on finding himself in the sea, swam round to the leeward side of the ship, caught hold of some part of the rigging, and thus escaped. The captain was drifted away to the distance of nearly one hundred and fifty yards. It was with the utmost difficulty that we retained our hold on the rope which had been fastened to him; but at length we succeeded in drawing him in. On hearing his cries for assistance, forgetting our own danger, we redoubled our exertions, and soon drew him on board. He was much exhausted, but fortunately had received no fatal injury.

After the failure of this attempt, and having in so short a time lost one half our number, it was agreed upon, after due consultation to remain upon the wreck till daylight should reveal to us more fully our situation. In this state of suspense and suffering, we clung to the rigging, and with much difficulty kept ourselves from being washed away. Our situation and prospects during that awful night were such, that no ray of hope was permitted to penetrate the dreary prospect around us; our thoughts and feelings, wrought up to the highest degree of excitement by the horrors of our situation, continually visited the homes we had quitted,—probably forever,—and offered up prayers for the dear friends we had left behind. Every succeeding wave that dashed over us threatened to sweep us into an untried eternity; and while we impatiently awaited approaching day, we committed our spirits to Him who alone could control the raging elements.

At daybreak, we discovered that a part of the reef, apparently about three miles off to the leeward, was dry; and this, though but of small consequence, afforded us some comfort. In a short time we discovered land at the distance of twenty or thirty miles, in an eastwardly direction. This, though we were ignorant of the character of the inhabitants—if indeed it should turn out to be the residence of human beings—presented to our minds the possibility of escape; and without any delay we prepared, as well as we could, to abandon the vessel. There remained but one boat, and that was in a poor condition for conveying us, eleven in number, so great a distance. But, as no choice was left us, the boat was soon prepared; and when the sun was about two hours high, we had completed our arrangements. We took into the boat one small chest of bread, some water, a quantity of wearing apparel, a canister of gunpowder, one musket, a brace of pistols, three cutlasses, and a tinder-box. In this frail bark, and with these poor means of subsistence and defence, with little to rely upon but the mercy of Providence, we took leave of the ship; not without feelings of deep sorrow, and with small hopes of improving our forlorn condition.

On leaving the ship we steered directly for the reef above mentioned, and without much difficulty landed and drew up our boat. This proved to be, as we had previously conjectured, a part of the reef upon which we had been wrecked; and we soon ascertained that the portion of the rock above water was but about sixteen rods long, and quite narrow, but sufficiently large to afford us a secure footing for the little time we had to stay upon it. It was our first, and almost our only object, to remain here until we could render our arrangements more perfect, and either put to sea with less hazard, or make our passage to the land, which was still distinctly visible. As yet but little time had been afforded us for calm reflection; and it was now a question of serious importance, whether it would be most prudent to encounter the billows in the crazy boat which was our chief dependence, upon the open sea, with our scanty means of subsistence, or to throw ourselves into the hands, and upon the mercy of whatever race of beings might chance to inhabit the island. In favor of the former plan it was suggested that we might be seen, and taken up by some vessel