of the light, we feared most, alwayes wishing for day, and
then for Land, but it came too soon for our good; for about the first
of October, our fears having made us forget how the time passed to a
certainty; we about the break of day discerned Land (but what we knew
not) the Land seemed high and Rockey, and the Sea continued still very
stormy and tempestuous, insomuch as there seemed no hope of safety, but
looked suddenly to perish. As we grew near Land, perceiving no safety in
the ship, which we looked would suddenly be beat in pieces: The Captain,
my Master, and some others got into the long Boat, thinking by that
means to save their lives, and presently after all the Seamen cast
themselves overboard, thinking to save their lives by swimming, onely
myself my Masters Daughters, the two Maids, and the Negro were left on
board, for we could not swim; but those that left us, might as well have
tarried with us, for we saw them, or most of them perish, our selves now
ready after to follow their fortune, but God was pleased to spare our
lives, as it were by miracle, though to further sorrow; for when we came
against the Rocks, our ship having endured two or three blows against
the Rocks, (being now broken and quite foundred in the Waters), we
having with much ado gotten our selves on the Bowspright, which being
broken off, was driven by the Waves into a small Creek, wherein fell
a little River, which being encompassed by the Rocks [63]was sheltered
from the Wind, so that we had opportunity to land our selves, (though
almost drowned) in all four persons, besides the Negro: when we were
got upon the Rock, we could perceive the miserable Wrack to our great
terrour, I had in my {{9 }} pocket a little Tinder-box, and Steel, and
Flint to strike fire at any time upon occasion, which served now to good
Purpose, for its being so close, preserved the Tinder dry, with this,
and the help of some old rotten Wood which we got together, we kindled
a fire and dryed our selves, which done, I left my female company,
and went to see, if I could find any of our Ships company, that were
escaped, but could hear of none, though I hooted, and made all the noise
I could; neither could I perceive the foot-steps of any living Creature
(save a few Birds, and other Fowls). At length it drawing towards the
Evening, I went back to my company, who were very much troubled for want
of me. I being now all their stay in this lost condition, we were at
first afr