scarcely possible for the imagination to conceive the extent of our sufferings in consequence of it.
“In the jolly-boat, 14 feet from stem to stern, 5 feet broad, and 2 feet deep, were embarked Mr. Samuel Bargus, Master; Lieutenant-Colonel George Cooke, of the First Regiment of Guards[1]; the boatswain, sailmaker, and seven seamen, in all 11 persons[2].
“The only provisions, &c. we were enabled to save, consisted of between 40 and 50 pounds of biscuit; one vessel containing 5 gallons of water; a small jug of the same, and part of a small barrel of spruce beer; one demijean of ruin, a few bottles of port wine, with two compasses, a quadrant, a spy-glass, a small tin mug, and a wine-glass. The deck-lantern, which had a few spare candles in it, had been likewise thrown into the boat; and the cook having had the precaution to secure his tinder-box and some matches that were kept in a bladder, we were afterwards enabled to steer by night.
“The wind was now blowing strong from the westward, with a heavy sea, and the day had just dawned. Estimating ourselves to be at the distance of 350 miles from St. John’s, in Newfoundland, with a prospect of a continuance of westerly winds, it became at once necessary to use the strictest economy. I represented to my companions in distress, that our resolution, once made, ought on no account to be changed; and that we must begin by suffering privations, which I foresaw would be greater than I ventured to explain. To each person, therefore, were served out half a biscuit and a glass of wine, which was the only allowance for the ensuing 24 hours, all agreeing to leave the water untouched as long as possible[3]. During the time we were employed in getting out the boats, I bad ordered the Master to throw the main-hatch tarpauling into the cutter; which being afterwards cut into lengths, enabled us to form a temporary bulwark against the waves. I had also reminded the carpenter to carry with him as many tools as he could: he had accordingly, among other things, put a few nails in his pockets, and we repaired the gunwale of the cutter, which had been stove in hoisting her out. Soon after day-light we made sail, with the jolly-boat in tow, and stood close-hauled to the northward and westward, in the hope of reaching the coast of Newfoundland, or of being picked up by some vessel. Passed two islands of ice, nearly as large as the first. We now said prayers, and returned thanks to God for our deliverance. At- ↑ The present Lieutenant-General Sir George Cooke, K.C.B., who commanded the Guards, and lost an arm, at the battle of Waterloo.
- ↑ Two French prisoners are included among the seamen mentioned in the above lists. Two of the schooner’s crew were left on board to assist in navigating her into port. The remainder were put on board two English merchantmen, for a passage to Newfoundland, soon after her capture.
- ↑ This small allowance was obliged to be curtailed on the following day, in consequence of the biscuit being much damaged by salt water during the night.
