vas, and pieces of pine nailed
over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
rest went about making a sail from the one we had used for a covering,
also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a paddle, tied
on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line brought by one of the
prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was completed and put
afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped, that she would be
sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we made a trial and were
disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial, and the emotions it called
up were not easy to be suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go to.--And now the question was,
"who should go, and how many?" I found it necessary for six; four to
row, one to steer and one to bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
Frenchman claimed the right, as being best acquainted with the nearest
inhabitants; likewise, they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria,
(about forty miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They
promised to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I
thought it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my
stead, because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection,
and my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of the
least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set off a
little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for their safety
and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide ocean, with
strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this, you will
say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but what else was left to
us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key where the Exertion was and
if no boat was to be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and if none
there, to go to Trinidad and send us relief.--But alas! it was the last
time I ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was most acute.

Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat drifting by on
the southeastern side of the island about a mile distant. I deemed it a
providential thing to us, and urged Thomas and George trying the raft
for her. They reluctantly consented and set off, but it was nearly t