as signals of distress, but no aid was afforded
to them during that long and dismal night. The darkness was so
intense, it was impossible to see beyond a few yards, and they could
only judge of their proximity to land, by the sullen roar of the
breakers as they dashed upon the shore. In this state of uncertainty
and dread, the night passed away; and daylight at last discovered to
the crew of the Minotaur the horrors of their situation. The ship was
firmly imbedded in sand, and had gradually sunk till the water covered
the forecastle. All the boats excepting the launch and two yauls were
destroyed, either by the falling of the masts, or the waves breaking
over them.

At eight o'clock, A.M., the Minotaur parted amidships, and the sea
made a clear breach over her. The gunner, seeing that she could not
hold together much longer, volunteered to go off in the yard, and
endeavour to obtain assistance from the shore. Captain Barrett at
first refused the offer, as he thought it impossible the boat could
live in such a sea; but upon further consideration, he gave his
consent; and the gunner, with thirty-one of the crew, succeeded in
launching the yaul, and getting clear of the wreck.

The ship now presented a most distressing scene--portions of her
timbers and spars were floating about in all directions, with casks of
spirits and provisions which had been washed up from the hold. Crowded
together on the poop and the quarter-deck were officers and men
watching with eager anxiety the progress of the boat. After two hours
of breathless suspense they saw her reach the shore. Their comrades'
success was hailed with joy by the shipwrecked crew as a happy omen
for themselves--it inspired them with hope and confidence, and some of
them immediately attempted to lift the launch into the sea. They
fortunately succeeded in getting her afloat, and numbers then rushed
to get into her, amongst whom was Lieutenant Snell. He failed in his
first attempt, and then swam to the foretop, near which he knew the
launch must pass, to enable her to clear the wreck. He watched his
opportunity, and when the boat approached, jumped into the sea, and
was taken on board.

In the course of an hour, the launch gained the shore, where, instead
of receiving the assistance they expected, and the kindness their
unfortunate circumstances demanded, the crew were met by a party of
French soldiers, and immediately made prisoners. In vain, they
implored the Dutch off