to pay for it, had driven it away, that he thought it
almost justifiable to desire his men to help themselves. There was,
however, one bright exception to this universal hard-heartedness. A
sergeant, named Antonio das Santos, who commanded a small fort of
three guns, seeing the unwillingness of the natives to render any aid
to the strangers, came forward and asked if anything was wanted that
he could supply. Captain Burgess replied, that both his officers and
men stood in great need of food, and that a loan of money for present
use would be very acceptable. The sergeant immediately placed in the
captain's hands forty milreas in copper, and most generously put at
his disposal everything he possessed. The example of this
noble-hearted fellow had no effect on the conduct of the rest; their
great object seemed to be to make as much gain as possible by the
misfortunes of their fellow-creatures, and they went so far as to
plunder the wreck, breaking open the chests, and taking possession of
their contents whenever an opportunity occurred.

In order to attract the notice of vessels passing near, two
flag-staffs had been erected upon the heights, with the ensign
downwards; but day after day passed on, and no friendly sail appeared.
The cupidity of the natives was insatiable, and provisions became more
and more scarce. It was not until the 15th of December, ten days
after the loss of the Thetis, that a vessel was seen in the offing.
She proved to be the Algerine, which arrived most opportunely, when
they were almost reduced to extremity, and brought them the articles
of which they were in greatest need.

The next day, just after the Algerine had entered the harbour of Cape
Frio, Admiral Baker arrived with a necessary supply of money. He had
attempted the sea-passage from Rio Janeiro, for three days, in his
barge, but had been obliged to put back on account of the current, and
had then performed the journey of seventy miles overland in
forty-eight hours. From the admiral, Captain Burgess had the
satisfaction of hearing that the Druid, Clio, Adelaide, and a French
brig of war might be hourly expected.

These all arrived in due course, and took on board the officers and
men of the late Thetis, who were safely landed at Rio Janeiro on the
24th of December.

In conclusion, we cannot refrain from noticing the firmness and
presence of mind evinced by Captain Burgess under the most appalling
circumstances. After having adopted ever