your lives, as we now have." He then
expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
language.

Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,

Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
little sloop where we remained till--

Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.

Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
n