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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Wreck on the Andamans, by Joseph Darvall
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Wreck on the Andamans
+
+Author: Joseph Darvall
+
+Release Date: March 22, 2009 [EBook #28388]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WRECK ON THE ANDAMANS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                     THE WRECK
+                         ON
+                   THE ANDAMANS:
+
+                       BEING
+
+  A NARRATIVE OF THE VERY REMARKABLE PRESERVATION,
+     AND ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE, OF THE SOLDIERS
+   AND SEAMEN, WHO FORMED THE SHIPS' COMPANIES OF
+     THE RUNNYMEDE AND BRITON TROOP-SHIPS, BOTH
+  WRECKED ON THE MORNING OF THE 12TH OF NOVEMBER,
+     1844, UPON ONE OF THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS, IN
+                 THE BAY OF BENGAL.
+
+
+          _TAKEN FROM AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS_
+
+                         BY
+
+                JOSEPH DARVALL, Esq.
+
+
+                _At the request of_
+  CAPT. CHARLES INGRAM, AND CAPT. HENRY JOHN HALL,
+             _Owners of the Runnymede._
+
+
+        "The dangers of the sea,
+        All the cares and all the fears,
+        When the stormy winds do blow."
+
+                        (_Song._)
+
+
+      LONDON: PELHAM RICHARDSON, 23, CORNHILL.
+                       1845.
+
+
+
+
+PELHAM RICHARDSON, PRINTER, 23, CORNHILL.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The Author, owing to circumstances, has had access to authentic
+documents and facts, relating to one of the most remarkable shipwrecks
+which have ever happened, that of the troop-ships Runnymede and
+Briton, on the morning of the 12th of November, 1844, upon one of the
+Andaman Islands.
+
+In reading these, it struck him forcibly, that the circumstances, if
+thrown into the shape of a narrative, would form not only an
+interesting publication, but would serve as a monument of the cool
+intrepidity and judicious presence of mind of British officers,
+soldiers, and seamen, in a time of remarkable trial.
+
+They also tend to illustrate in a very striking manner the correctness
+of the classic and poetical description of the "dangers of the sea,"
+contained in that passage of Scripture, which the Author has often
+observed to be listened to with great interest, when read in its
+course, in the churches of our seaports, and which, on that account,
+he makes no apology for quoting in a work, not professedly religious.
+
+"They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in
+great waters; these men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in
+the deep. For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up
+the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again
+to the deep: their soul melteth away because of the trouble. They reel
+to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man: and are at their wits'
+end. So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he delivereth
+them out of their distress. For he maketh the storm to cease: so that
+the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they are at
+rest; and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be."[A]
+
+    [A] Psalm cvii., v. 23-30, Com. Pr. Book.
+
+If this little work should answer the author's intention by proving
+entertaining as well as instructive, he will feel that he has been
+rewarded for the pains he has taken in compiling it.
+
+    _Reading,_
+        _July, 1845._
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+WRECK ON THE ANDAMANS.
+
+
+
+
+THE DEPARTURE.
+
+    "O'er the smooth bosom of the faithless tides,
+    Propelled by gentle gales, the vessel glides."
+
+                        _Falconer._
+
+
+The gallant Barque the Runnymede, of 507 tons burthen, commanded by
+Captain William Clement Doutty, an experienced seaman, and the property
+of Messrs. Hall & Co. and Ingram of Riches-court, Lime-street, London,
+being a remarkably staunch river-built vessel of the A 1 or first class,
+left Gravesend on the 20th of June, 1844, bound for Calcutta. She had
+on board a general cargo and a crew of twenty-eight persons, including
+officers. She also carried out, on account of the Honourable East India
+Company, thirty-eight soldiers, with two women and one child, belonging
+to Her Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot, and also Captain Stapleton,
+Ensigns Venables, Du Vernett, and Purcell, and one hundred and five
+soldiers, ten women, and thirteen children, belonging to Her Majesty's
+50th Regiment of Foot. The whole of the military were under the command
+of Captain Stapleton; the medical officer was Mr. Bell, the surgeon of
+the vessel.
+
+Every thing proceeded in the same manner as is usual on voyages in the
+same course, till they arrived south of the Tropics. The only casualty
+they met with was the death of William Bryant, a private of the 10th,
+on the 12th of July. He had suffered from sea-sickness ever since his
+embarkation. His body was committed to the deep the same evening, with
+the customary ceremonies. The principal amusements of the officers and
+crew were fishing, shark-catching, booby and pigeon shooting, and
+playing at backgammon. There were also on board the ship, books
+provided for the use of those who were disposed to read. The hour of
+dinner was four o'clock.
+
+On arriving south of the Tropics, the wind, instead of backing to
+the westward, blew almost constantly from the north-east and
+east-north-east; and when it occasionally got to the westward of
+north, it always fell light, contrary to the usual course; and so it
+continued until it got to the westward, and then it freshened. In
+consequence of the delay occasioned by this state of things, and
+the near approach of the north-east monsoon, the captain, on the
+21st of October, resolved to call at Penang, for the purpose of
+taking in an additional supply of water and other necessaries. They
+accordingly steered their course thither. On the 24th they saw the
+Island of Sumatra, bearing east-north-east about eight leagues. On
+the 26th, in the forenoon, they saw Pulo Rondo, bearing
+east-south-east, and on the 29th, at half-past two o'clock in the
+afternoon, the ship anchored in safety off Fort Cornwallis, in the
+roads of Penang, or Pulo Penang, the word Pulo signifying an island.
+Penang is sometimes called Prince of Wales's Island. It is on the
+coast of Queda. Its capital is George Town. The East-India Company
+first formed a settlement here in 1786.
+
+At Penang they remained till Sunday, the 3d of November, busily
+engaged in taking in sixty-one casks or about thirty tons of water,
+and other necessaries, and various articles of merchandize on account
+of cargo. They found lying here Her Majesty's ship Dido, commanded by
+the Honourable Captain Keppel.
+
+Immediately on the arrival of the Runnymede, Captain Doutty and Mr.
+Bell, together with Captain Stapleton and Ensign Du Vernett, went on
+shore, it being the duty of the latter to report themselves to the
+proper authorities.
+
+It was agreed, that after the parties had accomplished their business,
+they should meet at the best hotel in the place and dine together.
+This understanding led to the following entertaining incidents. On
+landing, the parties stepped into palanquin-carriages. The Captain and
+the Doctor went one way, and their military friends, another. After
+finishing their business, the Captain and his companion went in quest
+of their friends, desiring the Malay boy, who had charge of their
+carriage, to take them to the hotel. The lad replied, "I stand," and
+off they set. After a number of turns and windings, amongst most
+beautiful scenery, they arrived in front of a very well planned house,
+and were told by their conductor "this was house." They thought it
+remarkable that a hotel should be in such a retired situation.
+However, upstairs they ran, and sure enough they found their military
+friends there.
+
+They were congratulating them upon their good quarters, when a lady
+appeared, to whom they were introduced as the lady of the commandant,
+whose house it was, and were speedily convinced of their mistake,
+which produced a hearty laugh. They then, by signs, tried to make
+their palanquin-boys comprehend that it was a hotel they wanted, and
+not a private house. These said they understood "Master," and away
+they all four went towards the town. At a short distance from this the
+boys stopped at another large building, which appeared more like a
+hotel than the former. They questioned the lads as to this house, who
+replied, "All right," so they entered. They met an old gentleman, who
+requested them to pass into an inner room, where he introduced them to
+Captain Keppel, who received them most kindly. Their introducer proved
+to be Captain Quin, of Her Majesty's ship Minden, who was on his way
+home on sick leave in the Dido, and the mansion proved to be the
+Admiralty-house. Captain Keppel, with great kindness, invited the
+party to a ball and supper, to be given by him on the following
+evening, to the inhabitants of Penang, previously to his sailing for
+England.
+
+On leaving the Admiralty-house, the party were directed to a place
+little better than a booth, and denominated by the natives a
+punch-house, a name given to all low taverns in India, but which was
+dignified with the name of "The Albion Hotel." In the only
+sitting-room of this place they found the officers of the Dido at
+dinner. Of this meal they would have been disappointed, had not those
+gentlemen kindly invited them to partake of their fare, which
+consisted principally of curries of various kinds. So poorly was the
+place furnished that no two articles were alike; chairs, plates,
+dishes, glasses, knives and forks, were all odd ones, of different
+colours and sizes. The badness of this accommodation arises from the
+circumstance that those who call at the island are hospitably
+entertained, during their stay, at the houses of those residents to
+whom they happen to be introduced. For this reason a good hotel cannot
+be supported. After the dinner, which went off with a good deal of fun
+and mirth, some of the party "chartered ponies for a cruise" in the
+interior of the island. Penang is remarkable for piebald ponies.
+
+The next evening the party from the Runnymede repaired to the
+admiralty-house, pursuant to invitation, and were hospitably received
+by Captain Keppel and his officers. There they met the whole of the
+respectable inhabitants of the island, both civil and military, with
+their families. The rooms were handsomely decorated, and dancing was
+kept up with great spirit, enlivened by the harmonious strains of
+Captain Keppel's private band. This was succeeded, at midnight, by a
+champagne supper, which, for excellence, might have borne a comparison
+with any civic entertainment in London. Between three and four in the
+morning the ladies began to move off, and some of the youngsters, by
+way of further amusement, sat down to a second supper. At daylight the
+Dido was apeak, under all sails, and by eight o'clock, was leading
+down the north channel with skysails set for Old England. Her captain
+and officers carried with them the good wishes of all they left behind
+at Penang.
+
+
+
+
+THE WRECK.
+
+    "The wind blew hard, the sea ran high,
+    The dingy scud drove 'cross the sky,
+    Down topsails, boys, the gale comes on,
+    To strike top-gallant-yards they run."
+
+                        _Dibdin._
+
+
+At 9 o'clock, A. M., of Sunday, the 3d of November, 1844, the
+Runnymede weighed from Penang-roads with a light southerly wind, and
+made sail through the north channel. At noon the wind came in from
+seaward. At midnight, on Monday the 4th, she was abreast of the Ladda
+Islands, with a barque in company. On Friday, the 8th, the weather was
+unsettled, with heavy rain. All the small sails were stored, and the
+royal yards sent down. At noon the sun was obscured. Saturday, the
+9th, the breeze increased, with every appearance of bad weather. Took
+in the top-gallant sails, and reefed the topsails, and took in the jib
+and spanker. At noon the sun was obscured. Sunday, 10th, the barometer
+falling fast, with the gale increasing, close reefed the topsails. At
+noon heavy gusts. The courses were taken in and furled. At 6 the
+fore-topsail was taken in, and the ship hove-to under the main topsail
+and the main trysail. All the sails were re-secured, the top-gallant
+yards sent down, and everything prepared for the storm, which it was
+evident was now approaching. At noon the sun was again obscured, the
+latitude being, by log, 11° 6" north, and the longitude 96° 0" east.
+The wind now blew a hurricane. The barometer was 29°, and falling. The
+main-topsail was taken in, and the ship left under the main topsail
+only. At half-past three the fore and main top-gallant masts were
+blown away. The wind was south, and so very severe that the main
+trysail was blown to atoms, and the ship was lying-to under bare
+poles, and laying beautifully to the wind, with her helm amidship and
+perfectly tight. The hurricane was accompanied with a deluge of rain.
+At 4 P. M. the wind shifted to the south-east, and was blowing so
+terrifically that all the hatches were obliged to be battened down,
+the sea making a fair breach over the vessel. The starboard-quarter
+boat was washed away. About half-past 6 P. M. there was a lull, and it
+was nearly calm, the wind backing to the south-west, and the sea
+became comparatively quiet. The barometer having fallen as low as
+28° 45", the ship was kept away north by east, and the topsails
+re-secured, portions of them having blown adrift. At 8 P. M. the wind
+began to blow again, and within half an hour the hurricane was as
+severe as before. The larboard-quarter boat was torn from the davits
+and blown across the poop, carrying away the binnacle and crushing the
+hencoops in its passage. At 9 P. M., the hurricane still increasing,
+the foremast broke into three pieces, and carried away with it the
+jib-boom, the main and mizen topmasts, the starboard cathead, and
+mainyard, the main and mizen masts alone standing. At 10 P. M. the
+wind and rain were so severe that the men could not hold on upon the
+poop. The soldiers were engaged in baling the water out of their
+quarters between decks, whither it had been forced down the hatches.
+In other respects the ship was quite tight and free from leak, proving
+herself to be a capital sea boat. The pumps being attended to drew
+out the water which was forced down the hatches, mast-coats, and
+topside forwards.
+
+During the hurricane, numbers of land-birds were driven on board--a
+case not uncommon during storms--and an owl and a hawk were observed
+perched on the swinging table on the poop, without shewing any alarm
+at the presence of the ship's company. It was not noticed what became
+of them. This circumstance tended to shew the intensity of the tempest
+on shore, which must have forced these birds out to sea, a distance
+not much less than two hundred miles from any land.
+
+_Monday, 11th._--The hurricane was equally severe, the wind
+south-east, and the barometer as low as 28° 0". The gusts were so
+terrific, mixed with drift and rain, that none of the people could
+stand on the deck. Advantage was therefore taken of the lulls to draw
+the ship out, and clear away the wreck of the masts. As the starboard
+bower-anchor was hanging only by the shank-painter, and its stock,
+which was of iron, was working into the ship's side, the chain-cable
+was unshackled, and the anchor was cut away from the bows. At noon,
+latitude, per log, 11° 6" north longitude 95° 20" east, the barometer
+apparently rose a little. No observations had been able to be made
+since the 7th. The hurricane was equally severe in gusts, and the ship
+perfectly unmanageable from her crippled state, but rode all the time
+like a sea-bird on the waves, notwithstanding the sea was apparently
+running from every point of the compass. The crew observed a large
+barque ahead of them which had lost its topmast and mainyard. They
+feared at first that she would not go clear of them. Happily,
+however, she drifted past ahead of them. This vessel afterwards proved
+to have been the Briton, of which we shall presently have occasion to
+speak. They also saw a brig to leeward, totally dismasted. From her
+appearance it was judged that she must soon have foundered, and every
+soul on board perished. At 4 in the afternoon the barometer fell to
+27° 70", and Cummin's mineral sympiesometer left the index.
+
+The hurricane was now most terrific; the part of the poop to leeward
+and the cabin-doors and the skylights were literally torn away, and
+every moment they expected the poop itself to be carried off. None but
+those who have witnessed so awful a tempest at sea could form an idea
+of the weight and destructive power of the wind, crushing and beating
+every thing to pieces, as if it had been done with a heavy metallic
+body. At 8 P. M. the soldiers and sailors could not stand at the
+pumps, but were obliged to bale out the water from between decks.
+
+_Tuesday, the 12th._--At the turn of the day the hurricane still
+continued, and the rudder was gone. At 1 A. M. they felt the ship
+strike, and gave themselves up for lost, expecting every moment to be
+engulphed in the depths of the ocean.
+
+But it pleased Him, whom the winds and the sea obey,
+
+    "Who plants his footsteps in the sea,
+    And rides upon the storm,"
+
+to decree otherwise, and, at the moment of impending destruction, the
+ship and all her inmates were saved.
+
+After a short time, it was discovered that the ship was thrown on a
+reef of rocks, and had bilged; and although the water entered her
+through the holes which the rocks had made, and filled her up to the
+lower beams, yet that it soon smothered, and, the bilge pieces keeping
+her upright, she lay comparatively quiet. But being fearful that she
+might beat over the reef into deep water, they let go the larboard
+bower-anchor, and shortly afterwards found the water leaving her.
+After this all hands fell asleep, being exhausted with fatigue and
+hardship. Captain Doutty and the military gentlemen were in Captain
+Stapleton's cabin, which was the only one habitable. Captain Doutty
+felt too anxious to rest long, but lay watching whilst all was still,
+except the beating of the waves and the rain on the poop. He then went
+out in front of the poop. He could discern nothing but the surf
+breaking heavily on and around his unfortunate vessel. He then lay
+down again, wishing earnestly for the break of day.
+
+
+
+
+THE DELIVERANCE.
+
+    "The night is gone, and o'er the sea,
+    The morning sun shines peacefully;
+    Again 'tis calm, again 'tis still,
+    Noiseless as gentle summer's rill."
+
+                        _Anon._
+
+
+At length the morning broke, which was to introduce the ship's
+company, just rescued from a watery grave, to a new era in their
+existence. With the daybreak the hurricane also began to break, and,
+though it rained heavily, the barometer rose rapidly until it stood at
+29° 45". The captain then beheld, to his great joy, the loom, or
+land-mark of the shore, to leeward, rising like a black belt, above
+the breakers. The land was an island, off the east coast of the Great
+Andaman, in latitude 12° 1" north, and longitude about 93° 14" east.
+The Andaman Islands, which are about eight in number, and covered with
+trees, form a group at the entrance of the Bay of Bengal, and are near
+750 miles from the Sand Heads at Calcutta, and twelve degrees from the
+Equator. That on which the vessel was driven was in point of latitude
+about the centre, and may be easily known by a remarkable hill
+somewhat resembling a puritan's hat, and being placed in a hollow of
+the land, with much higher hills, both on the north and south of it.
+The anchorage is good, and a ship may be sheltered from all points.
+
+  [Illustration: Hullmandel & Walton Lithographers.
+    No. 1.
+      THE POSITION OF THE SHIPS, AT DAYBREAK, MORNING, 12TH. NOVEMBER]
+
+About 60 years ago an attempt was made on the part of the East-India
+Company to form a settlement on the Andaman Islands for the
+convenience of shipping. Their first settlement was called Port
+Chatham, on the South Andaman. But, after about a year or two, it
+was removed thence, on account of its unhealthiness, to the North
+Andaman, where it was named Port Cornwallis, after Admiral Cornwallis,
+who recommended the removal, and not long after that was finally
+broken up, and the islands abandoned.
+
+The ship being nearly dry aft, on the weather clearing, her crew, to
+their great astonishment, beheld, about a quarter of a mile inside of
+them, high amongst the trees, in a swamp of mangroves, whither she had
+forced herself a passage, a large barque, with troops on board.[B] In
+consequence of this discovery, Ensign Du Vernett was, as soon as
+possible, lowered with ropes from the Runnymede's stern, with twelve
+soldiers, to communicate with the barque. At 7 A. M., the tide rising,
+orders were given to the men to prepare to land at next low water,
+and, if possible, get something cooked, as, during the hurricane, no
+fires could be kept in the ship, and, consequently, the crew and
+troops had not had anything but biscuit and a glass of spirits during
+the storm. At half-past 3 o'clock P. M. the tide having fallen
+sufficiently to enable the people to wade on shore, Ensign Du Vernett
+returned on board and reported the vessel he had visited to be "The
+Briton" from Sydney, bound to Calcutta, and which had sailed from the
+former place, in company with the ships Royal Saxon, Loyds, and
+Enmore, on the 12th of August, 1844, having on board Her Majesty's
+80th regiment, 1000 strong, under the command of Lieut.-col. Baker.
+The companies two, three, and six were on board the Briton, under the
+orders of Major, afterwards Lieut.-col. Bunbury, and consisted of 311
+soldiers, including 12 serjeants and 4 drummers, 34 women, 51
+children, and the following officers, namely, Captains Best, Sayers,
+and Montgomery; Lieutenants Leslie and Freeman; Ensigns Hunter and
+Coleman; and Assistant-surgeon Gammie, medical officer in charge. The
+Briton was commanded by Captain Alexander Hall. She had a crew of 34,
+was a vessel of 776 tons, A 1, and was ascertained to be the same
+barque which had drifted a-head of the Runnymede in the storm, having
+parted with all her companions, which afterwards arrived safely at
+their destination. The Briton was so short of provisions, that twelve
+men were obliged to be satisfied with the ordinary allowance of four.
+
+    [B] The roots of these trees support their stems some
+    feet above the ground, and diverge in every direction,
+    so as to produce an almost impenetrable thicket. The
+    trees do not rise more than twelve feet high. They grow
+    in marshy places, generally within the influx of the
+    Indian Ocean, and where the tide can readily wash their
+    stems.
+
+By dusk, all hands, including soldiers, women, and children, had left
+the wreck of the Runnymede, and were accommodated on board the Briton.
+They were received by Captain Hall, Colonel Bunbury, and the officers
+of the 80th, with the greatest kindness, although they were enduring
+very great privations themselves. The crew of the Briton were
+delighted to hear of there being a fair stock of stores on board the
+Runnymede, particularly as regarded biscuit and flour, which, if
+moderate weather continued, would be landed for the benefit of both
+ships' companies.
+
+In the morning after the wreck, a seaman of the Runnymede lost his
+life by the following piece of disobedience and fool-hardy temerity.
+Captain Doutty was sitting in Captain Stapleton's cabin, consulting
+with the military officers as to the best mode of getting the women
+and children on shore, when it was perceived that one of the seamen
+had placed himself by the cabin windows, apparently dressed for a
+swim. Captain Doutty enquired what brought him there: he instantly
+replied, "We are all alike now." Captain Doutty told him he was
+mistaken if he thought so, for that whilst two planks of the ship held
+together, he was determined to keep the command, and ordered him to
+leave the cabin. As he appeared unwilling to go, the chief officer was
+desired to send him forward. Being called accordingly, he refused,
+with an oath, to go, and immediately threw himself from the cabin
+window, and swam towards the shore, which he never reached, as the
+receding waves kept him out until he was exhausted, and the ship's
+company saw him sink without being able to assist him. This man's fate
+had the effect of keeping the others quiet until the water had fallen
+sufficiently to enable them to wade through it to the shore. After the
+landing Colonel Bunbury took the chief command of all parties.
+
+We shall now find it most convenient to ourselves, as well as
+entertaining to our readers, to continue our narrative in the shape of
+a journal, only noticing those days on which any circumstances worth
+recording occurred.
+
+_Wednesday, 13th._--At daybreak, nearly low water, all hands returned
+on board and commenced getting up provisions for landing. All more or
+less damaged.
+
+The Briton had lost all her boats, and the Runnymede's long boat was
+the only one they had, and that was badly stove, so that the water
+had run through her, and thereby prevented her being washed off the
+deck by the waves: and she eventually became the means, by God's
+blessing, of obtaining that assistance which saved the sufferers from
+perishing on a desert island.
+
+The carpenters, therefore, of both ships were ordered to report how
+long a time it would take to put this boat into a state fit to proceed
+to sea to seek assistance. They reported eight days. After a personal
+communication, Captains Doutty and Hall received from Captain Sayers,
+of the 80th regt. the following order, putting their ships' crews
+under martial law, which was twice read to each crew.
+
+                                    _Troop Ship "_Briton_,"_
+                                        _12th Nov. 1844._
+
+    Dear Sir,
+
+    In consequence of the wreck of the troop ships "Briton"
+    and "Runnymede," Major Bunbury calls on Captains Hall
+    and Doutty to explain to the crews of their respective
+    ships that they are from this moment under military law,
+    and feeling it to be most essential for the well-being
+    of the service that the strictest order and discipline
+    be preserved by every one under his command, declares it
+    to be his determination to punish, with the utmost
+    severity, any act of insubordination and drunkenness.
+
+                        By Order,
+                            H. T. Sayers,
+                                _Capt. 80th Regt._
+    _To Capt. Doutty._
+
+This day were landed from the Runnymede at low water, 37 bags and 6
+half-bags of biscuit, 3 and a half bags of flour, and 9 baskets of
+plums. In consequence of information that the crew of the Runnymede
+meant to help themselves to the beer which formed part of the cargo,
+and had laid a plan to plunder the ship, they were in the evening all
+ordered on board the Briton. The only persons who remained on board
+the Runnymede were Captain Doutty and his officers, and a few steady
+soldiers of the 50th, and watches were regularly kept throughout the
+night.
+
+There appears to be a very prevalent opinion amongst common sailors
+and private soldiers, that when a vessel is wrecked, all controul over
+private property is from that moment lost too, and that it is not
+stealing to lay hands on all they can take. Numerous instances of this
+kind took place on the present occasion. And this crime, as well as
+that of drunkenness, were scarcely checked by severe corporeal
+punishment. Some of the men attempted thefts at the risk of their
+lives; and, in one instance, a cask of bottled beer having been landed
+too late to be got into store, was placed, by a serjeant's tent, in
+care of a sentry, whose musket was known to be loaded with ball.
+During the night two fellows attempted to get at it, and being
+discovered were fired at, which so alarmed them, that one of them, in
+his hurry to escape, fell into a mangrove swamp, which caused him so
+much pain that he was easily captured. He proved to be a man of bad
+character.
+
+_Thursday, 14th._--Weather moderate, wind east, barometer 29° 55". The
+crew employed this day landing stores, cleansing the decks from the
+accumulated filth and rubbish. The carpenters employed on the long
+boat. The stores landed were 3 baskets of sugar, 2 barrels of flour,
+7 tierces and 1 barrel of salt provisions, 1 cask of vinegar, 1
+puncheon of arrack, 2 cases of bottled fruits, 2 boxes of pickles, 6
+barrels of pale ale, and 1 cask of sherry. The soldiers were employed
+on shore clearing the ground of trees, many having been thrown down by
+the hurricane, some of them very large, and apparently of the growth
+of a century. They were also employed in erecting tents and making
+roads and bridges. The tents were made of the sails of both ships, and
+the flags or camp-colours used to distinguish the companies, were
+Marryat's signals, also from the ships.
+
+_Friday, 15th._--Wind east and moderate. Weather fine. Continued
+landing provisions consisting of soap, preserved potatoes, biscuit,
+flour, sugar, dholl or split peas, rice, pale ale, port wine, and
+sherry. Finished the long boat's bottom, turned her up, and commenced
+raising her two streaks. Employed drying damaged provisions. Water
+discovered in the island; and a number of crabs, prawns, and other
+shell fish picked up at low water. Several indications of other wrecks
+were seen, but exploring parties had not yet straggled far from the
+encampment.
+
+_Saturday, 16th._--More provisions were landed this day. In the
+evening, large fires were seen on the island to the north, and as
+several muskets were discharged on shore away from the camp, and the
+people fancied they saw natives, they were hailed and a volley of
+musketry discharged, so no more of them were seen. But double watches
+were set at night with loaded arms.
+
+  [Illustration: Hullmandel & Walton Lithographers.
+    No. 2.
+      THE ENCAMPMENT.]
+
+_Sunday, 17th._--This day no business was done, except by the
+carpenters, whose work was of the utmost importance to the saving
+the lives of upwards of 630 persons, with a scanty stock of
+provisions. Divine service was performed on board the Briton by
+Captain Sayers of the 80th in presence of the seamen and the troops,
+who were regularly paraded for church, and the forms of prayer and
+thanksgiving to the Almighty for the preservation of the people's
+lives were read. Seven natives made their appearance on the shore to
+the southward. Some of them tried to surround two sailors who were
+gathering shell fish, but the sailors were too nimble for them. An
+officer with a small armed party went in pursuit, but as soon as the
+savages saw them they put off from the shore in a canoe, leaving their
+fire, and close to it a piece of drift wood and some fish bones. And
+at night again some of the natives attempted to approach the
+Runnymede, but on being fired at they took themselves off. The
+natives appeared to be quite naked and black, and of a robust frame,
+with perfectly straight hair. This day also a spring of fresh water
+was discovered. The commander sent out detachment orders regulating
+the issue of rations and spirits to the troops, and complimenting
+Captains Doutty and Hall and their crews, and also the military
+officers and soldiers, on their conduct during the hurricane, and also
+regretting that the natives should have been fired at, as much benefit
+might arise from a conciliatory course, and much mischief from an
+opposite one; and ordering that for the purpose of preventing any
+rencontre in future between them and the military who might be
+straggling too far from camp, a roll call should take place every two
+hours, as well in the camp as on board the Briton.
+
+_Monday, 18th._--Fine weather. Fatigue parties employed on shore
+clearing the ground and erecting tents. The carpenters at work on the
+long-boat; her bottom and topsides finished, and a portion of her
+beams and ceiling placed. The crew engaged repairing her sails and in
+cutting air-holes between decks in the Runnymede for ventilation. On
+shore a court-martial sat for the purpose of trying men for stealing
+and drunkenness. By an order issued this day Ensign Hunter of the 80th
+was appointed to act as Adjutant. The Runnymede was made into a
+hospital ship under the care of Dr. Gammie, whilst Mr. Bell gave his
+medical attendance on shore to those whom it was not deemed necessary
+to send to the hospital; and the Briton was to be considered as a
+store-ship whence the provisions were to be issued daily, under the
+superintendence of Ensign Venables. The remainder of the troops were
+also ordered to disembark and encamp, the position of the Briton in a
+stagnant swamp of half salt, half fresh water, with mangrove trees
+crushed under it, being considered prejudicial to the health of the
+men.
+
+_Tuesday, 19th._--The carpenters employed laying the deck of the
+long-boat. Crew landing beer casks, but many of them burst whilst
+being carried ashore from being so long under water, and the straw
+they were packed in consequently heating. The sick were transferred
+from the Briton to the Runnymede. This afternoon the soldiers were
+paraded for the first time since the wreck. Their appearance, owing to
+their distressed situation, was somewhat similar to that of Falstaff's
+ragged regiment.
+
+_Wednesday, 20th._--Five soldiers were corporeally punished, by
+sentence of court-martial, for stealing and insubordination. The
+troops left the Briton according to order. Most of the officers
+commenced erecting tents for themselves.
+
+_Thursday, 21st._--The carpenters completed the deck of the long-boat.
+Four of the soldiers straggled a short distance to the south of the
+encampment in search of shell fish. They were attacked by a party of
+natives, who speared the whole of them, two of them dangerously, one
+of whom had three spears sticking in him. They were carried on board
+the Runnymede. A strong party was sent in pursuit of the evil doers
+but could not meet with them. Shortly after the return of the party,
+Captain Doutty saw fourteen of the natives issue from the jungle armed
+with their fishing-spears and apparently quite unconcerned, but the
+tide being up and having no boat, our people could not get at them. It
+was, however, deemed necessary to place advanced picquets round the
+camp, and a four-pounder was placed on the top-gallant forecastle and
+another on the poop of the Runnymede, in order to keep the natives off
+if they should prove aggressive. There appeared to be no chance of
+receiving any assistance from them. The island appeared to be wholly
+unproductive, neither fruit nor vegetables having been discovered, but
+several wild hogs were seen.
+
+_Friday, 22d._--The carpenters employed putting a false keel to long
+boat and caulking her. Landed 46 casks of beer, also some preserved
+salmon and cheese. A board of survey assembled on board the Briton to
+examine the stores saved, and to report as to the rations to be
+issued, calculated for forty days. The court recommended the following
+scale for alternate days, namely,
+
+First day, 1/2 lb. bread, 1/2 lb. beef, 1/2 gill of spirits, 1/12 oz.
+of tea, 1/2 oz. of sugar.
+
+Second day, 1/3 lb. flour, 1/3 lb. pork, 1/4 pint peas, 1/4 oz.
+coffee, 1/2 oz. sugar, 1/2 gill spirits, and this even would only last
+36 days, that is, till 27th December. By this time, too, the coast for
+two miles round the island was cleared of shell fish. This day a
+private of the 80th regiment died in hospital of dysentery, most
+likely caused by the water, which had a disagreeable vegetable taste.
+
+_Saturday, 23d._--More beer landed from the Runnymede, also a case of
+claret. These were now issued in lieu of spirits. This day the natives
+came close to the camp. A few soldiers were sent to parley with them,
+and took two red shell jackets, which were left on a bush as presents
+for them. They only trampled on them, and at a given signal sent a
+volley of spears at the soldiers in return, two only taking effect.
+Two armed soldiers who had been concealed, then appearing, the natives
+set up a yell and ran to the bush, leaving part of a bow and a bundle
+of arrows behind them. They appeared very treacherous. They seemed
+also to understand the effect of fire-arms, running away the moment
+they saw any.
+
+_Sunday, 24th._--Divine service was performed on board the Briton. The
+coast was strewed in every direction with pieces of wreck. In the
+evening part of a chest of drawers and the top of a washhand-stand
+were found. These probably had floated from some vessel that had
+foundered.
+
+  [Illustration: Hullmandel & Walton Lithographers.
+    No. 3.
+      DEPARTURE OF THE "HOPE" IN SEARCH OF ASSISTANCE.]
+
+_Monday, 25th._--Moderate breeze. The long boat, being finished, was
+launched from the deck of the Runnymede at 11 o'clock, amidst the
+hearty cheers of all hands. She was named "The Hope." Her mast was
+then stepped and fitted, and an ample supply of provisions, water, and
+other necessaries put on board her. At half-past five, P. M., she set
+sail in charge of Captain Hall, of the Briton, with Mr. Skelton, chief
+officer of the Runnymede, and the boatswain and five seamen.
+Lieutenant Leslie, of the 80th, went in her as bearer of despatches.
+The course proposed, at the suggestion of Captain Doutty, was, to get
+into the track of ships proceeding to and from the Straits of Malacca;
+and then, being guided by the winds and other circumstances, either to
+cross to Moulmein, or go on to Calcutta.
+
+_Tuesday, 26th._--Weather moderate. The Hope not in sight at daybreak.
+The carpenters landed to make preparations for building another boat.
+Parties out getting shell-fish. Some trepang, beech-le-mer, or sea
+slug, was brought to Captain Doutty, which he attempted to cure by
+cleansing, parboiling, and drying in the sun. This is reckoned a great
+luxury by the Chinese, and is sold in their markets. It abounds in
+the vicinity of coral reefs.
+
+Captains Stapleton, Montgomery, and Best, in the evening, saw a wild
+hog, between which and the bush they got unperceived. They each had a
+shot at him, as he ran past them, and being wounded in the head, he
+ran staggering amongst the fallen timber. A little spaniel dog, called
+Billy, of the King Charles's breed, which happened to be with the
+party, seized the hog by the ear. At the same time a soldier ran up to
+despatch the animal with a large stick, and not observing the dog in
+the dusk, he accidentally struck him an unlucky blow on the head, and
+killed him. Poor Billy's fate was universally regretted in the camp,
+where he was a general favourite. The hog weighed 80 lbs., had large
+tusks, and his hide was half-an-inch thick. The meat was hard and
+tough, but still was acceptable as a change. Some natives who were
+near the spot where the hog was killed, on hearing the shots, left
+their fire with a yell, and fled into the bush.
+
+_Thursday, 28th._--Working parties clearing and deepening the wells,
+which were beginning to fail. Several of the officers left the Briton,
+their tents being completed. There were many beautiful shells of
+various kinds found upon the beach. It was amusing to see such as are
+generally made use of as mantel-piece ornaments, teeming with life,
+and running about in every direction. A few fish were caught in nets
+outside the Runnymede, quantities of small ones being driven into
+shoal water by the large ones, which prey upon them.
+
+_Friday, 29th._--The soldiers were employed burning a road to the
+wells, the fallen trees being so interwoven that it was not possible
+to cut one. The carpenters were cutting a keel for the boat. The crew
+fishing and making nets. This evening there was a cry that a ship's
+light was seen in the offing, which produced a considerable sensation
+for the moment; but it turned out to be only Sirius rising.
+
+_Saturday, 30th._--General parade for muster. The keel for the
+intended boat brought in from the bush where it had been cut. A
+carpenter, four sawyers, and a blacksmith from the 80th were ordered
+to assist in building the new boat.
+
+_Sunday, 1st December._--Divine service was performed. The guard on
+board the Runnymede was now formed by convalescent soldiers, being one
+serjeant and six privates of the 80th. The natives made very large
+fires both to the northward and southward.
+
+_Monday, 2d._--Bellows were finished for the forge, with the
+pioneers' aprons for sides, and part of a gun-barrel for the pipe. The
+tiller of the Briton's rudder was used for an anvil, and nails were
+made out of the copper bolts from her stern posts. A sailor's canoe,
+which was nearly finished, took fire, and both her gunwales were burnt
+down.
+
+_Tuesday, 3d._--Regular morning parades on the beach at 7 A. M.
+commenced this day, the guards mounting immediately afterwards. The
+bugle was sounded regularly, as in garrison, at daybreak, for parade,
+for meals, and for bed at 8 P. M. The road still in progress of
+burning. This, together with the tent-fires and those of the picquets,
+had a very brilliant effect. Two officers went in search of water, and
+found a running stream under the hills, about a mile from the camp,
+which was very difficult to reach, from the denseness of the jungle.
+
+_Wednesday, 4th._--A couple of punts have been made out of rattans,
+covered with tarred canvas, and the canoe had plank sides put to it,
+in lieu of the gunwales, which were burnt. There were some thunder and
+lightning in the evening, and heavy rain, which caused the tents to
+leak, they having been made of old canvas.
+
+_Thursday, 5th._--A bag of damaged pepper sent on shore from the
+Runnymede for the soldiers to eat with the shell fish. An oyster bed
+discovered. A tree on fire, mistaken for a steamer's light.
+
+_Friday, 6th._--The carpenters commenced planking the boat. Several
+men were sent to the hospital with fever and head complaints. An order
+was issued, prohibiting the soldiers bathing or otherwise exposing
+themselves in the heat of the sun.
+
+_Saturday, 7th._--The canoe was launched, and answered better than was
+expected. Nearly the whole of the fallen trees on the island lay
+towards the south-west, so that the hurricane must have come from the
+E.N.E. or N.E.
+
+_Sunday, 8th._--Divine service as usual. The canoe brought in a cargo
+of fine oysters from the northward. The tracks of a number of hogs
+were seen. A soldier of the 80th died in hospital of brain fever.
+
+_Monday, 9th._--The Runnymede got a spar over her quarter, lashed to
+the mizen-mast, to shore her up, the heavy surf causing her to bump
+more than was agreeable. There was quite a fleet of canvas in the bay
+fishing and paddling about.
+
+_Tuesday, 10th._--One of the fishing crews caught a large fish of the
+snapper kind, of about 20 lbs. weight. It was found to be coarse and
+hard when cooked.
+
+_Wednesday, 11th._--The encampment looked quite gay, each tent having
+its distinguishing flag, or number of the company, hoisted; those of
+the officers had also their signals flying. Captain Stapleton's had
+the number of his regiment, 50th. The bay from the Runnymede had a
+very pretty effect.
+
+_Thursday, 12th._--Two turtles were seen upon the water. There were
+only sufficient provisions on hand to serve this month through. The
+Hope has been gone now sixteen days.
+
+_Saturday, 14th._--A party of officers of the 80th went to the
+northward on discovery, attended by the canoe. They crossed over to
+the other island. Saw a wild beast in the bush of the panther kind.
+Found some bundles of pigs' heads, tied with cane, laid together in
+heaps, and stones suspended from the trees by rattan. They supposed
+this to be some religious ceremony of the natives. They found a
+quantity of excellent oysters on the rocks. They made a fire, and
+dined off them.
+
+_Sunday, 15th._--Divine service as usual. This was the 20th day after
+the departure of the Hope. The present amount of ration to be reduced
+one-half from to-morrow, which will be little better than starvation.
+Very little shell fish to be now found within miles of the camp. About
+eleven o'clock, A. M., there were two smart shocks of an earthquake.
+The Briton shook so violently that all hands ran up from below,
+fearing that she would fall over. The last shock had scarcely
+subsided, when the shout of a sail, a sail! issued from a look-out
+tree, on the right of the camp, upon which the people themselves had
+established a watch, relieved every hour. The welcome cry quickly
+resounded throughout the camp. The Runnymede immediately hoisted her
+ensign and fired a gun, which was a pre-concerted signal. The camp
+was in great commotion, every one enquiring where the sail was, and
+straining their eyes to catch a glimpse of the stranger. Within a
+quarter of an hour afterwards, she had rounded the point and was
+visible to all. At one o'clock, P. M., she came to anchor abreast of
+the Runnymede, in 15 fathoms, the men cheering on shore, whilst the
+ship saluted her with twelve guns. She proved to be the Honourable
+Company's schooner, George Swinton, of 70 or 80 tons, from Mergui,
+with supplies of provisions for the sufferers, and the Hope towing at
+her stern. Our canoes went off, and brought on shore Mr. Michael, an
+ensign of the 17th Madras Native Infantry, the bearer of despatches
+from Mergui to the commanding officer, to whom he communicated the
+news of the safe arrival of the Hope at that port, and of the welfare
+of her crew. They had reached Mergui in 11 days from the time of
+leaving the island. They had suffered much from the heat of the sun
+and fatigue, because, having either foul or light winds, they were
+obliged to row the greater part of the distance, and to give up all
+idea of going to Calcutta. Having made their report, they were
+supplied with a lighter boat belonging to the American missionaries,
+in which they proceeded to Moulmein. The next day the commanding
+officer at Mergui despatched the George Swinton, under the command of
+Captain Daniels, to the relief of the sufferers, bringing, amongst
+other things, six young buffaloes. The arrival of this vessel at the
+exact moment of need caused great rejoicings, and an extra half-pound
+of biscuit and glass of spirits were issued to each man to commemorate
+the event. In the afternoon a soldier of the 80th was unfortunately
+drowned in the surf whilst bathing. On the arrival of the Swinton the
+rations were increased, and comparative plenty was restored.
+
+_Wednesday, 18th._--The Runnymede's mainmast was cut away, and she was
+shored up with it to make her ride easily, being much shaken by the
+surf. The Hope was brought on shore, and her deck and false keel taken
+off, that she might be used for landing provisions and stores. A brig
+appeared in sight to the southward. The Runnymede made signals, but
+she passed on without taking any notice. She was supposed to be a
+country ship.
+
+_Friday, 20th._--The island is putting on a spring-like appearance.
+Verdant spots are here and there to be seen, and the trees are
+beginning to come into leaf. Even those which were thrown down by the
+hurricane are struggling for life with the few roots left in the
+ground, and some of sixty feet high, without branch or top, have shot
+out small green twigs, forming a curious contrast with their scathed
+trunks. Melons, limes, and other seeds, sown by the officers, now
+coming up. Two native canoes took up a position near the north island,
+and afterwards their people passed along the reef fishing. Captain
+Doutty counted twenty-four persons on the reef, besides those left in
+care of the canoes. A soldier of the 50th died in hospital this day of
+brain fever.
+
+_Sunday, 22nd._--Divine service as usual. The poop-awning of the
+Briton was blown away, and the cuddy filled with water. The weather
+very rough.
+
+_Tuesday, 24th._--The Swinton's jolly-boat was swamped in the surf
+whilst taking off water-casks. The long-boat went to their assistance,
+and towed them alongside the schooner. The east end of the north
+island was covered with natives in search of food; the poor creatures
+seemed to depend entirely on shell-fish and sea-slug, picked off the
+reefs, for their subsistence, with occasionally a fish caught with
+their spears. During bad weather they must suffer much from hunger.
+
+_Wednesday, 25th. Christmas Day._--The Swinton left for Moulmein. Mr.
+Michael returned in her with despatches. The Runnymede's dingy
+returning from the schooner was capsized in consequence of Thompson, a
+seaman, falling on one side of her, when Edmund Hutter, a seaman, was
+drowned, means of resuscitation proving of no avail. Divine service
+was performed on board the Briton. The tents of the 80th looked very
+gay, being decorated with green boughs in honour of the day. There was
+no roast beef, but very good plum-puddings were made without sugar.
+
+_Thursday, 26th._--Flies and musquitoes came in myriads; they were
+very troublesome; there were none till now; the hurricane must have
+swept them away. Very beautiful periodical flowers appeared. Also
+snakes; several have been killed in camp. A young pig was shot by a
+serjeant; the mother and the rest of the family escaped.
+
+_Friday, 27th._--A wicker-work pot was made to catch fish in deep
+water. A tablet was engraven on the rock, near the burial-ground, with
+the names of the soldiers who had died on the island. At night large
+fires were made round the camp to burn out and keep off the
+musquitoes.
+
+_Saturday, 28th._--At 7 A. M. a sloop-of-war brig, the Pilot, Captain
+Jervis, with two schooner gun-boats in convoy, appeared. The latter
+ran into the anchorage, and the former went round the islands in
+search of other vessels. Sent our boat on board one of the former and
+landed the officer, Mr. White, of the Company's Marine, who stated
+that transports were at hand to relieve the sufferers; also that the
+rest of the 80th regiment had arrived safely at Calcutta. The new
+six-oared boat named "The Andaman" was launched at noon; she went
+through the surf beautifully. The Pilot sent her cutter round with
+Lieut. Leslie, and also some fresh meat and vegetables.
+
+_Sunday, 29th._--At noon the Ayrshire, of 250 tons, arrived from
+Moulmein, being one of three ships taken up by the Government there to
+convey the sufferers away from the island; the other two were called
+the Agnes Lee and the Elizabeth Ainslie. Capt. Jervis and three of his
+officers dined on the island.
+
+_Monday, 30th._--The first division of the 80th regiment commenced
+embarking on board the Ayrshire. At 3 P. M. the Elizabeth Ainslie
+arrived for the remaining portion of the 80th, and anchored near the
+Runnymede.
+
+  [Illustration: Hullmandel & Walton Lithographers.
+    No. 4.
+      THE DELIVERANCE.]
+
+_Tuesday, 31st._--The Pilot came round from the northward, and
+brought up in front of the camp. Commenced embarking the heavy stores
+on board the Elizabeth Ainslie. At 4 P. M. the Ayrshire sailed with
+the first division of the 80th regiment.
+
+
+1845.
+
+_Wednesday, 1st January._--The second division of the 80th regiment
+embarked in the Elizabeth Ainslie, as also Captain Doutty and the crew
+of the Runnymede. The officers dined on board the Pilot. There were
+numerous native fires on both islands.
+
+_Thursday, 2nd._--The Elizabeth Ainslie sailed. The natives collected
+in great numbers on both islands. The gun-boat's gig, manned by
+Lascars, whilst pulling along the reef, was pursued by five canoes.
+The brig-of-war's cutter went to her assistance, when the canoes
+pulled back to the reef and made off. The 50th detachment strengthened
+their camp-guard and posted extra sentinels.
+
+_Friday, 3rd._--The transport Agnes Lee arrived from Moulmein. The
+invalid soldiers, women, and children, and heavy baggage were embarked
+in the course of the day. At night the natives came round the camp in
+great numbers; there were fires in every direction. A picquet was sent
+out to drive them back; the picquet fired at a party moving in rear of
+the tents, who fled, and extinguished their fires in a most
+extraordinary manner, the whole, except a few scattered embers,
+disappearing almost as if by magic. The brig of war despatched two
+boats to pull along shore in front of the camp, and afterwards fired
+two shots and a shell amongst a large body of natives gathered round a
+fire a short distance to the left of the Briton. They took themselves
+off and did not appear again that night.
+
+_Saturday, 4th._--The remainder of the detachment of the 50th
+embarked in the Agnes Lee. At night the natives again assembling in
+and around the camp, the marines of the Pilot were landed to protect
+the wrecks. Several shots were fired during the night.
+
+_Sunday, 5th._--The last detachment of the wrecked troops, after a
+sojourn of 55 days, sailed this day for Calcutta in the Agnes Lee, and
+bid adieu to this inhospitable island, in words very different from
+those of the poet, who sang
+
+    "Isle of beauty, fare thee well."
+
+The voyage was most prosperous, the several ships having arrived at
+their destination within a few days of each other. The only place of
+note they passed on the voyage being Barren Island; they had a full
+view of its volcano, which is a cone thrown up from a valley. It was
+then in partial action, and was ejecting volumes of smoke as they
+passed it.
+
+_Monday, 13th._--Latitude, by observation, 20° 59" north. A comet has
+been seen for the last ten or twelve nights, in the south-west, about
+equal to a star of the second magnitude, with a tail of about 8 or 10
+degrees.
+
+The detachments of the 10th and 50th regiments, on arriving at
+Calcutta, proceeded on to Chinsmah by steam, and the detachment of the
+80th landed at Calcutta, and took up their quarters in Fort William.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Thus terminated one of the most remarkable shipwrecks upon record,
+remarkable in all its circumstances, when we consider the coincidence
+of two ships, each carrying troops, each sailing from a different
+quarter of the globe, both bound to the same port, and both thrown
+upon the same island, in one night, within half a mile of each other,
+and the Runnymede possessing stores and necessaries which the Briton
+stood in need of, and without which her company would, in all
+probability, have perished: and each having the means of defence
+against a race of savages, reputed to be cannibals, and so proverbial
+for their ferocity, that they are greatly dreaded by the seamen of the
+country ships, by whom they are called Wild Men of the Woods, and who,
+but for the fire-arms they had, would have destroyed the whole of the
+party.
+
+But a still more remarkable fact is the extreme healthiness, under
+numerous hardships and privations, of a company of upwards of six
+hundred and thirty individuals, many of them women and children, in a
+climate so unhealthy, that, in time past, it was obliged to be
+abandoned by those who sought to settle in it. But here, in a sojourn
+of 55 days, besides those who died by accidents, only three men, one
+woman, and two or three children perished. And this to the great
+surprise of those who came to their rescue, and so fully expected to
+find disease prevalent, that they took with them a surgeon, a stock of
+medicines, and a quantity of comforts for the use of the sick and
+convalescent. These favourable circumstances may be attributed, with
+propriety, to the almost miraculous interposition of the Almighty, who
+vouchsafed to bless in an especial manner the prudence, good
+seamanship, and cool intrepidity of the captains and officers of the
+ships, and those under their care, whilst at sea: and afterwards, when
+on shore, the judgment, skill, and good management of Lieut.-colonel
+Bunbury and the military and other officers, as well as the steady
+discipline of all who were under their command. These all in their
+several stations have done great honour to their country, as well as
+much credit to the respective services in which they were employed.
+
+We must also remark upon the very sound state of the hull of the
+Runnymede, which had not the slightest leak in her during the whole of
+a most appalling tempest. The only water she made was that which came
+in from the dashing of the waves.
+
+We may also learn one important lesson from the perseverance of the
+crew of the Runnymede. That is, never to abandon any good undertaking
+on account of difficulties. Some unlooked-for circumstance may arise
+to crown our endeavours with success. The crew of the Runnymede had
+lost every thing but hope, when deliverance came to them unexpectedly.
+
+We would conclude with one question to the benevolent and religious;
+to those who desire to promote the civilization of the heathen. Can
+nothing be done to christianize the ferocious tribes of the Andamans?
+Let it be remembered what the New Zealand cannibals and the wild
+bushmen of South Africa were before missionaries went amongst them,
+compared with what they now are; and then let endeavours be made use
+of, in reliance upon heaven's blessing, to bring these poor creatures
+out of the lowest state of darkness and degradation into one of
+Christianity and happiness.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+PELHAM RICHARDSON, PRINTER, 23, CORNHILL.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+This book contains archaic and variable spelling, which is preserved
+as printed. Minor punctuation errors have been repaired, and
+hyphenation has been made consistent.
+
+The frontispiece illustration (No. 3) has been moved to its appropriate
+place in the text.
+
+Page 30 has a reference to the ship Loyds. This may be a printer error
+for Lloyds, but has been preserved as printed.
+
+Page 36--repective amended to respective--"... to explain to the crews
+of their respective ships ..."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Wreck on the Andamans, by Joseph Darvall
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