sion told us the frigate had struck.
Terror and consternation were instantly depicted on every face. The
crew stood motionless; the passengers in utter despair. In the midst
of this general panic, cries of vengeance were heard against the
principal author of our misfortunes, wishing to throw him overboard;
but some generous persons interposed, and endeavored to calm their
spirits, by diverting their attention to the means of our safety. The
confusion was already so great, that McPoinsignon, commandant of a
troop, struck my sister Caroline a severe blow, doubtless thinking it
was one of his soldiers. At this crisis my father was buried in
profound sleep, but he quickly awoke, the cries and the tumult upon
deck having informed him of our misfortunes. He poured out a thousand
reproaches on those whose ignorance and boasting had been so
disastrous to us. However, they set about the means of averting our
danger. The officers, with an altered voice, issued their orders
expecting every moment to see the ship go in pieces. They strove to
lighten her, but the sea was very rough and the current strong. Much
time was lost in doing nothing; they only pursued half measures and
all of them unfortunately failed.

When it was discovered that the danger of the Medusa was not so great
as was at first supposed, various persons proposed to transport the
troops to the island of Arguin, which was conjectured to be not far
from the place where we lay aground. Others advised to take us all
successively to the coast of the desert of Sahara, by the means of our
boats, and with provisions sufficient to form a caravan, to reach the
island of Saint Louis, at Senegal. The events which afterwards ensued
proved this plan to have been the best, and which would have been
crowned with success; unfortunately it was not adopted. M. Schmaltz,
the governor, suggested the making of a raft of sufficient size to
carry two hundred men, with provisions; which latter plan was seconded
by the two officers of the frigate, and put in execution.

The fatal raft was then begun to be constructed, which would, they
said, carry provisions for every one. Masts, planks, boards and
cordage were thrown overboard. Two officers were charged with the
framing of these together.--Large barrels were emptied and placed at
the angles of the machine, and the workmen were taught to say, that
the passengers would be in greater security there, and more at their
ease, than in the boats.