noon, observed in lat. 46° 33' N.; St John’s bearing about W. ¾ N., distant 350 miles.”
It was not until the 4th July, after encountering a succession of heavy gales, and being reduced by famine to almost the lowest possible state of existence, that they made the land in Conception Bay, on the coast of Newfoundland. Those alone who have been in similar situations, can accurately judge of the sensations experienced by them on seeing the shore. By Captain Fellowes they are thus affectingly described:–
“I wish it were possible for me to describe our sensations at this interesting moment. From the constant watching and fatigue, and from the languor and depression arising from our exhausted state, such accumulated irritability was brought on, that the joy of a speedy relief affected us all in a most remarkable way; many burst into tears; some looked at each other with a stupid stare, as if doubtful of the reality of what they saw; several were in such a lethargic state, that no consolation, no animating language, could rouse them to exertion.
“At this affecting period, though overpowered by my own feelings, and impressed with the recollection of our sufferings, and the sight of so many deplorable objects, I proposed to offer up our solemn thanks to Heaven for our miraculous deliverance. Every one cheerfully assented; and as soon as I opened the prayer-book (which I had secured the last time went down to my cabin), there was an universal silence; a spirit of devotion was so singularly manifested on this occasion, that to the benefits of a religious sense in uncultivated minds, must be ascribed that discipline, good order, and exertion, which even the sight of land could scarcely produce.
“The wind having blown with great violence from off the coast, we did not reach the landing-place at Island Cove till four o’clock in the evening. All the women and children in the village, with two or three fishermen (the rest of the men being absent), came down to the beach, and appearing deeply affected at our wretched situation, assisted in carrying us up the craggy rocks, over which we were obliged to pass to get to their habitations.
“This small village afforded neither medical aid nor fresh provisions, of which we stood so much in need; potatoes and salt fish being the only food of the inhabitants. I determined, therefore, to lose no time in proceeding to St. John’s, having hired a small schooner for that purpose. On the 7th July we embarked in three divisions, placing the most infirm in the schooner; the master’s-mate having charge of the cutter, and the boatswain of the jolly-boat: but such was the exhausted state of nearly the whole party, that the day was considerably advanced before we could get under weigh. * * * *. Towards dusk it came on to blow hard in squalls off the land, when we lost sight of the cutter, and were obliged
