Chapter 8

As I had now, by the death of my captain, lost my great benefactor and friend, I had little inducement to remain longer in the West Indies, except my gratitude to Mr. King, which I thought I had pretty well discharged in bringing back his vessel safe, and delivering his cargo to his satisfaction. I began to think of leaving this part of the world, of which I had been long tired, and returning to England, where my heart had always been; but Mr. King still pressed me very much to stay with his vessel; and he had done so much for me that I found myself unable to refuse his requests, and consented to go another voyage to Georgia, as the mate, from his ill state of health, was quite useless in the vessel. Accordingly a new captain was appointed, whose name was William Phillips, an old acquaintance of mine; and, having refitted our vessel, and taken several slaves on board, we set sail for St. Eustatia, where we stayed but a few days; and on the 30th of January 1767 we steered for Georgia. Our new captain boasted strangely of his skill in navigating and conducting a vessel; and in consequence of this he steered a new course, several points more to the westward than we ever did before; this appeared to me very extraordinary.

With my captain’s death, I had lost my great benefactor and friend. I had little reason to stay longer in the West Indies, except for my gratitude to Mr. King. I thought I had largely repaid his kindness by bringing his vessel back safely and delivering his cargo to his satisfaction. I began thinking of leaving this part of the world, which I had long been tired of. I wanted to return to England, where my heart had always been. But Mr. King still urged me strongly to stay with his vessel. He had done so much for me that I felt unable to refuse his requests. So I agreed to make another voyage to Georgia, because the mate’s poor health made him quite useless aboard. A new captain was therefore appointed, William Phillips, an old acquaintance of mine. After refitting our vessel and taking several enslaved people aboard, we sailed for St. Eustatia. We stayed there only a few days, and on January 30, 1767, we set our course for Georgia. Our new captain boasted remarkably about his skill in navigating and managing a vessel. Because of his confidence, he took a new course, several compass points farther west than we had ever sailed before. This change of course seemed very strange to me.

On the fourth of February, which was soon after we had got into our new course, I dreamt the ship was wrecked amidst the surfs and rocks, and that I was the means of saving every one on board; and on the night following I dreamed the very same dream. These dreams however made no impression on my mind; and the next evening, it being my watch below, I was pumping the vessel a little after eight o'clock, just before I went off the deck, as is the custom; and being weary with the duty of the day, and tired at the pump, (for we made a good deal of water) I began to express my impatience, and I uttered with an oath, 'Damn the vessel's bottom out.' But my conscience instantly smote me for the expression. When I left the deck I went to bed, and had scarcely fallen asleep when I dreamed the same dream again about the ship that I had dreamt the two preceeding nights. At twelve o'clock the watch was changed; and, as I had always the charge of the captain's watch, I then went upon deck. At half after one in the morning the man at the helm saw something under the lee-beam that the sea washed against, and he immediately called to me that there was a grampus, and desired me to look at it. Accordingly I stood up and observed it for some time; but, when I saw the sea wash up against it again and again, I said it was not a fish but a rock. Being soon certain of this, I went down to the captain, and, with some confusion, told him the danger we were in, and desired him to come upon deck immediately. He said it was very well, and I went up again. As soon as I was upon deck the wind, which had been pretty high, having abated a little, the vessel began to be carried sideways towards the rock, by means of the current. Still the captain did not appear. I therefore went to him again, and told him the vessel was then near a large rock, and desired he would come up with speed. He said he would, and I returned to the deck. When I was upon the deck again I saw we were not above a pistol shot from the rock, and I heard the noise of the breakers all around us. I was exceedingly alarmed at this; and the captain having not yet come on the deck I lost all patience; and, growing quite enraged, I ran down to him again, and asked him why he did not come up, and what he could mean by all this? 'The breakers,' said I, 'are round us, and the vessel is almost on the rock.' With that he came on the deck with me, and we tried to put the vessel about, and get her out of the current, but all to no purpose, the wind being very small. We then called all hands up immediately; and after a little we got up one end of a cable, and fastened it to the anchor. By this time the surf was foaming round us, and made a dreadful noise on the breakers, and the very moment we let the anchor go the vessel struck against the rocks. One swell now succeeded another, as it were one wave calling on its fellow: the roaring of the billows increased, and, with one single heave of the swells, the sloop was pierced and transfixed among the rocks! In a moment a scene of horror presented itself to my mind, such as I never had conceived or experienced before. All my sins stared me in the face; and especially, I thought that God had hurled his direful vengeance on my guilty head for cursing the vessel on which my life depended. My spirits at this forsook me, and I expected every moment to go to the bottom: I determined if I should still be saved that I would never swear again. And in the midst of my distress, while the dreadful surfs were dashing with unremitting fury among the rocks, I remembered the Lord, though fearful that I was undeserving of forgiveness, and I thought that as he had often delivered he might yet deliver; and, calling to mind the many mercies he had shewn me in times past, they gave me some small hope that he might still help me. I then began to think how we might be saved; and I believe no mind was ever like mine so replete with inventions and confused with schemes, though how to escape death I knew not. The captain immediately ordered the hatches to be nailed down on the slaves in the hold, where there were above twenty, all of whom must unavoidably have perished if he had been obeyed. When he desired the man to nail down the hatches I thought that my sin was the cause of this, and that God would charge me with these people's blood. This thought rushed upon my mind that instant with such violence, that it quite overpowered me, and I fainted. I recovered just as the people were about to nail down the hatches; perceiving which, I desired them to stop. The captain then said it must be done: I asked him why? He said that every one would endeavour to get into the boat, which was but small, and thereby we should be drowned; for it would not have carried above ten at the most. I could no longer restrain my emotion, and I told him he deserved drowning for not knowing how to navigate the vessel; and I believe the people would have tossed him overboard if I had given them the least hint of it. However the hatches were not nailed down; and, as none of us could leave the vessel then on account of the darkness, and as we knew not where to go, and were convinced besides that the boat could not survive the surfs, we all said we would remain on the dry part of the vessel, and trust to God till daylight appeared, when we should know better what to do.

On February 4, soon after we had changed course, I dreamed the ship was wrecked among breaking waves and rocks. In the dream, I saved everyone on board. The following night, I had the very same dream. These dreams, however, made no impression on me. The next evening, I was due to go off duty. A little after eight o’clock, I was pumping water from the vessel before leaving the deck, as was customary. I was weary from the day’s work and tired from pumping, for the ship was taking in considerable water. I began to express my impatience and swore, 'Damn the vessel’s bottom out.' But my conscience immediately struck me for saying those words. When I left the deck, I went to bed. I had scarcely fallen asleep when I dreamed again about the ship, just as on the two previous nights. At midnight, the watch changed. Since I was always in charge of the captain’s watch, I went on deck. At half past one in the morning, the man steering saw something beside the ship on the downwind side. The sea was washing against it. He immediately called to me, saying there was a grampus, a kind of whale, and asked me to look. I stood up and watched for some time. But when I saw the sea washing against the object repeatedly, I said it was a rock, not a fish. Soon certain of this, I went down to the captain. Somewhat flustered, I told him of our danger and asked him to come on deck immediately. He said, 'Very well,' and I went back up. By then, the wind, which had been fairly strong, had eased a little. The current began carrying the vessel sideways toward the rock. Still the captain did not appear. So I went to him again. I told him the vessel was now near a large rock and urged him to come up quickly. He said he would, and I returned to the deck. Back on deck, I saw that we were no more than a pistol shot from the rock. I could hear waves breaking all around us. I was extremely alarmed. Since the captain still had not come on deck, I lost all patience. Furious, I ran down to him again. I asked why he would not come up and what he meant by such behavior. 'The breaking waves,' I said, 'are all around us, and the vessel is almost on the rock.' At that, he came on deck with me. We tried to turn the vessel and get her out of the current. But our efforts were useless because there was so little wind. We immediately called everyone on deck. After a short time, we brought up one end of a cable and fastened it to the anchor. By now, the surf was foaming around us, making a dreadful noise as it broke against the rocks. The very moment we dropped the anchor, the vessel struck the rocks. One swell followed another, as though each wave were calling to the next. The roar of the waves grew louder. With a single heave of the swells, the sloop was pierced and pinned among the rocks! In an instant, I faced a horror I had never imagined or experienced before. All my sins stared me in the face. Above all, I thought God had brought his terrible vengeance upon my guilty head. I had cursed the vessel on which my life depended. My courage deserted me, and I expected to sink at any moment. I resolved that if I were saved, I would never swear again. In my distress, while the dreadful surf pounded among the rocks with relentless fury, I remembered the Lord. Though I feared I did not deserve forgiveness, I thought he might still rescue me, as he had often done. I remembered the many mercies he had shown me before. Those memories gave me a little hope that he might still help me. Then I began to think about how we might be saved. I believe no mind was ever so full of inventions and so confused by plans as mine was then. Yet I did not know how to escape death. The captain immediately ordered the hatches nailed shut over the enslaved people in the hold. There were more than twenty below, and all would inevitably have died if his order had been obeyed. When he told the man to nail down the hatches, I thought my sin had caused this. I thought God would hold me responsible for these people’s blood. That thought struck me so violently that I was completely overwhelmed and fainted. I recovered just as the men were about to nail down the hatches. Seeing what they were doing, I asked them to stop. The captain then said the hatches must be nailed down. I asked him why. He said everyone would try to get into the boat, which was small, and we would therefore drown. The boat could carry no more than ten people at most. I could no longer hold back my feelings. I told him he deserved to drown for not knowing how to navigate the vessel. I believe the men would have thrown him overboard if I had given them the slightest hint. However, the hatches were not nailed down. None of us could leave the vessel then because of the darkness, and we did not know where to go. Besides, we were convinced the boat could not survive the surf. So we all said we would remain on the dry part of the vessel and trust in God until daylight. Then we would have a better idea of what to do.

I then advised to get the boat prepared against morning, and some of us began to set about it; but some abandoned all care of the ship and themselves, and fell to drinking. Our boat had a piece out of her bottom near two feet long, and we had no materials to mend her; however, necessity being the mother of invention, I took some pump leather and nailed it to the broken part, and plastered it over with tallow-grease. And, thus prepared, with the utmost anxiety of mind we watched for daylight, and thought every minute an hour till it appeared. At last it saluted our longing eyes, and kind Providence accompanied its approach with what was no small comfort to us; for the dreadful swell began to subside; and the next thing that we discovered to raise our drooping spirits, was a small key or island, about five or six miles off; but a barrier soon presented itself; for there was not water enough for our boat to go over the reefs, and this threw us again into a sad consternation; but there was no alternative, we were therefore obliged to put but few in the boat at once; and, what is still worse, all of us were frequently under the necessity of getting out to drag and lift it over the reefs. This cost us much labour and fatigue; and, what was yet more distressing, we could not avoid having our legs cut and torn very much with the rocks. There were only four people that would work with me at the oars; and they consisted of three black men and a Dutch Creole sailor; and, though we went with the boat five times that day, we had no others to assist us. But, had we not worked in this manner, I really believe the people could not have been saved; for not one of the white men did any thing to preserve their lives; and indeed they soon got so drunk that they were not able, but lay about the deck like swine, so that we were at last obliged to lift them into the boat and carry them on shore by force. This want of assistance made our labour intolerably severe; insomuch, that, by putting on shore so often that day, the skin was entirely stript off my hands.

I then advised getting the boat ready for morning, and some of us began the work. But some gave up all concern for the ship and themselves and started drinking. A piece nearly two feet long was missing from the boat’s bottom, and we had no materials to repair it. But necessity is the mother of invention. I took some leather from the pump and nailed it over the hole, then coated it with tallow grease. With the boat prepared this way, we waited anxiously for daylight. Every minute seemed like an hour. At last daylight greeted our longing eyes, and kind Providence brought us considerable comfort with its arrival. The dreadful swell began to subside. The next sight to lift our sinking spirits was a small cay, or island, about five or six miles away. But we soon faced an obstacle. The water was too shallow for our boat to cross the reefs, and we were filled with dismay again. But we had no alternative, so we had to take only a few people in the boat at a time. Worse still, all of us frequently had to get out to drag and lift the boat over the reefs. This took great effort and left us exhausted. Still more distressing, we could not avoid badly cutting and tearing our legs on the rocks. Only four people were willing to work with me at the oars. They were three black men and a Dutch Creole sailor. Although we made five trips in the boat that day, no one else helped us. But I truly believe that without our efforts, the people could not have been saved. Not one of the white men did anything to save their own lives. Indeed, they soon became too drunk to do anything and lay about the deck like pigs. So we finally had to lift them into the boat and carry them ashore by force. The lack of help made our work unbearably hard. Making so many trips ashore that day stripped all the skin from my hands.

However, we continued all the day to toil and strain our exertions, till we had brought all on board safe to the shore; so that out of thirty-two people we lost not one. My dream now returned upon my mind with all its force; it was fulfilled in every part; for our danger was the same I had dreamt of: and I could not help looking on myself as the principal instrument in effecting our deliverance; for, owing to some of our people getting drunk, the rest of us were obliged to double our exertions; and it was fortunate we did, for in a very little time longer the patch of leather on the boat would have been worn out, and she would have been no longer fit for service. Situated as we were, who could think that men should be so careless of the danger they were in? for, if the wind had but raised the swell as it was when the vessel struck, we must have bid a final farewell to all hopes of deliverance; and though, I warned the people who were drinking and entreated them to embrace the moment of deliverance, nevertheless they persisted, as if not possessed of the least spark of reason. I could not help thinking, that, if any of these people had been lost, God would charge me with their lives, which, perhaps, was one cause of my labouring so hard for their preservation, and indeed every one of them afterwards seemed so sensible of the service I had rendered them; and while we were on the key I was a kind of chieftain amongst them. I brought some limes, oranges, and lemons ashore; and, finding it to be a good soil where we were, I planted several of them as a token to any one that might be cast away hereafter. This key, as we afterwards found, was one of the Bahama islands, which consist of a cluster of large islands, with smaller ones or keys, as they are called, interspersed among them. It was about a mile in circumference, with a white sandy beach running in a regular order along it. On that part of it where we first attempted to land there stood some very large birds, called flamingoes: these, from the reflection of the sun, appeared to us at a little distance as large as men; and, when they walked backwards and forwards, we could not conceive what they were: our captain swore they were cannibals. This created a great panic among us; and we held a consultation how to act. The captain wanted to go to a key that was within sight, but a great way off; but I was against it, as in so doing we should not be able to save all the people; 'And therefore,' said I, 'let us go on shore here, and perhaps these cannibals may take to the water.' Accordingly we steered towards them; and when we approached them, to our very great joy and no less wonder, they walked off one after the other very deliberately; and at last they took flight and relieved us entirely from our fears. About the key there were turtles and several sorts of fish in such abundance that we caught them without bait, which was a great relief to us after the salt provisions on board. There was also a large rock on the beach, about ten feet high, which was in the form of a punch-bowl at the top; this we could not help thinking Providence had ordained to supply us with rainwater; and it was something singular that, if we did not take the water when it rained, in some little time after it would turn as salt as sea-water.

Still, we worked and strained all day until we had brought everyone on board safely ashore. Of thirty-two people, we did not lose one. My dream now came back to me with all its force. Every part had come true, for our danger was just what I had dreamed of. I could not help seeing myself as the main person responsible for our rescue. Because some of our people got drunk, the rest of us had to work twice as hard. Fortunately we did, because the leather patch on the boat would soon have worn out. The boat would then have been useless. In our situation, who could imagine that men would be so careless about their danger? If the wind had raised waves like those when the vessel struck, we would have lost all hope of rescue. Although I warned the people drinking and begged them to seize their chance of rescue, they kept drinking. They acted as if they had not the slightest trace of reason. I could not help thinking that, if any of these people died, God would hold me responsible for their lives. Perhaps that was one reason I worked so hard to save them. Indeed, every one of them afterward seemed to recognize the service I had done them. While we were on the small island, or key, I was a kind of chief among them. I brought some limes, oranges, and lemons ashore. Finding the soil good, I planted several as a sign for anyone who might later be shipwrecked there. We later learned that this key was one of the Bahama islands. These form a group of large islands, with smaller islands, called keys, scattered among them. Our key was about a mile around, with a white sandy beach running evenly along its edge. Some very large birds called flamingoes stood where we first tried to land. In the reflected sunlight, the birds looked as large as men from a short distance away. As the birds walked back and forth, we could not imagine what they were. Our captain swore they were cannibals. His claim caused great panic among us, and we discussed what to do. The captain wanted to go to another key, visible but a long way off. I opposed this because we would not be able to save everyone if we went there. 'And therefore,' I said, 'let us go ashore here, and perhaps these cannibals may take to the water.' So we steered toward them. As we approached, to our great joy and equal amazement, the birds walked away one after another, very calmly. At last they flew off, putting all our fears to rest. Around the key, turtles and several kinds of fish were so plentiful that we caught them without bait. This fresh food was a great relief after the salted provisions on board. There was also a large rock on the beach, about ten feet high, with a punch-bowl-shaped hollow on top. We could not help thinking that Providence had placed the rock there to supply us with rainwater. Strangely, if we did not collect the water when it rained, it soon became as salty as seawater.

Our first care, after refreshment, was to make ourselves tents to lodge in, which we did as well as we could with some sails we had brought from the ship. We then began to think how we might get from this place, which was quite uninhabited; and we determined to repair our boat, which was very much shattered, and to put to sea in quest of a ship or some inhabited island. It took us up however eleven days before we could get the boat ready for sea in the manner we wanted it, with a sail and other necessaries. When we had got all things prepared the captain wanted me to stay on shore while he went to sea in quest of a vessel to take all the people off the key; but this I refused; and the captain and myself, with five more, set off in the boat towards New Providence. We had no more than two musket load of gunpowder with us if any thing should happen; and our stock of provisions consisted of three gallons of rum, four of water, some salt beef, some biscuit; and in this manner we proceeded to sea.

After eating and drinking, our first concern was to make tents to sleep in. We did the best we could with some sails we had brought from the ship. We then began thinking about how to leave this completely uninhabited place. We decided to repair our badly damaged boat and put to sea, looking for a ship or an inhabited island. However, we needed eleven days to prepare the boat as we wanted, with a sail and other necessities. Once everything was ready, the captain wanted me to stay ashore while he went to sea to find a vessel. He wanted the vessel to take all the people off the key, but I refused to stay behind. So the captain and I, with five others, set off in the boat toward New Providence. We had only enough gunpowder for two musket shots in case anything happened. Our food and drink consisted of three gallons of rum, four gallons of water, some salt beef, and some biscuits. With these supplies, we went to sea.

On the second day of our voyage we came to an island called Obbico, the largest of the Bahama islands. We were much in want of water; for by this time our water was expended, and we were exceedingly fatigued in pulling two days in the heat of the sun; and it being late in the evening, we hauled the boat ashore to try for water and remain during the night: when we came ashore we searched for water, but could find none. When it was dark, we made a fire around us for fear of the wild beasts, as the place was an entire thick wood, and we took it by turns to watch. In this situation we found very little rest, and waited with impatience for the morning. As soon as the light appeared we set off again with our boat, in hopes of finding assistance during the day. We were now much dejected and weakened by pulling the boat; for our sail was of no use, and we were almost famished for want of fresh water to drink. We had nothing left to eat but salt beef, and that we could not use without water. In this situation we toiled all day in sight of the island, which was very long; in the evening, seeing no relief, we made ashore again, and fastened our boat. We then went to look for fresh water, being quite faint for the want of it; and we dug and searched about for some all the remainder of the evening, but could not find one drop, so that our dejection at this period became excessive, and our terror so great, that we expected nothing but death to deliver us. We could not touch our beef, which was as salt as brine, without fresh water; and we were in the greatest terror from the apprehension of wild beasts. When unwelcome night came we acted as on the night before; and the next morning we set off again from the island in hopes of seeing some vessel. In this manner we toiled as well as we were able till four o'clock, during which we passed several keys, but could not meet with a ship; and, still famishing with thirst, went ashore on one of those keys again in hopes of finding some water. Here we found some leaves with a few drops of water in them, which we lapped with much eagerness; we then dug in several places, but without success. As we were digging holes in search of water there came forth some very thick and black stuff; but none of us could touch it, except the poor Dutch Creole, who drank above a quart of it as eagerly as if it had been wine. We tried to catch fish, but could not; and we now began to repine at our fate, and abandon ourselves to despair; when, in the midst of our murmuring, the captain all at once cried out 'A sail! a sail! a sail!' This gladdening sound was like a reprieve to a convict, and we all instantly turned to look at it; but in a little time some of us began to be afraid it was not a sail. However, at a venture, we embarked and steered after it; and, in half an hour, to our unspeakable joy, we plainly saw that it was a vessel. At this our drooping spirits revived, and we made towards her with all the speed imaginable. When we came near to her, we found she was a little sloop, about the size of a Gravesend hoy, and quite full of people; a circumstance which we could not make out the meaning of. Our captain, who was a Welchman, swore that they were pirates, and would kill us. I said, be that as it might, we must board her if we were to die for it; and, if they should not receive us kindly, we must oppose them as well as we could; for there was no alternative between their perishing and ours. This counsel was immediately taken; and I really believe that the captain, myself, and the Dutchman, would then have faced twenty men. We had two cutlasses and a musquet, that I brought in the boat; and, in this situation, we rowed alongside, and immediately boarded her. I believe there were about forty hands on board; but how great was our surprise, as soon as we got on board, to find that the major part of them were in the same predicament as ourselves!

On the second day of our voyage, we reached an island called Obbico, the largest of the Bahama islands. We badly needed water, for our supply had run out. We were also exhausted after rowing for two days in the heat of the sun. Since it was late in the evening, we pulled the boat ashore to look for water and spend the night. We searched for water but found none. After dark, we built a fire around us for fear of wild animals, since the whole place was thickly wooded. We took turns keeping watch. We got very little rest and waited impatiently for morning. As soon as daylight appeared, we set off again in our boat, hoping to find help during the day. We were now deeply discouraged and weakened by rowing, for our sail was useless. We were also nearly dying of thirst. We had nothing left to eat but salt beef, which we could not eat without water. In this condition, we struggled all day within sight of the island, which was very long. In the evening, with no help in sight, we went ashore again and secured our boat. Then we went looking for fresh water, feeling faint from thirst. We dug and searched for the rest of the evening but could not find a single drop. Our despair grew overwhelming, and our terror became so great that we expected only death to bring us relief. We could not touch our beef, which was as salty as brine, without fresh water. We were also terrified at the thought of wild animals. When the unwelcome night came, we did as we had the night before. The next morning, we left the island again, hoping to see a vessel. We struggled on as best we could until four o'clock, passing several small islands but finding no ship. Still nearly dying of thirst, we went ashore on one of those islands, again hoping to find water. We found some leaves holding a few drops of water, which we eagerly lapped up. Then we dug in several places, but without success. As we dug holes in search of water, some very thick, black liquid came out. None of us could bring ourselves to drink it except the poor Dutch Creole. He drank more than a quart as eagerly as if it had been wine. We tried to catch fish but could not. We now began to complain about our fate and give ourselves over to despair. In the middle of our complaints, the captain suddenly cried out, 'A sail! a sail! a sail!' This joyful cry was like a reprieve to a condemned prisoner, and we all immediately turned to look. But before long, some of us began to fear that what we saw was not a sail. Still, we took the chance, got into our boat, and steered toward it. Within half an hour, to our indescribable joy, we could clearly see that it was a vessel. Our sinking spirits revived, and we headed toward the vessel as fast as we possibly could. As we drew near, we saw a small sloop, about the size of a Gravesend cargo boat. The sloop was completely full of people, and we could not understand why. Our captain, who was Welsh, swore that the people were pirates and would kill us. I said that, whether they were pirates or not, we must board their vessel, even if we died doing so. If they did not welcome us, we must fight them as best we could. There was no choice except for them to perish or for us to perish. We immediately agreed to this plan. I truly believe that the captain, the Dutchman, and I would have faced twenty men then. We had two cutlasses and a musket, which I had brought in the boat. Armed with these, we rowed alongside and immediately boarded the sloop. I believe there were about forty people aboard. But how astonished we were to discover that most of them were in the same desperate situation as ourselves!

They belonged to a whaling schooner that was wrecked two days before us about nine miles to the north of our vessel. When she was wrecked some of them had taken to their boats and had left some of their people and property on a key, in the same manner as we had done; and were going, like us, to New Providence in quest of a ship, when they met with this little sloop, called a wrecker; their employment in those seas being to look after wrecks. They were then going to take the remainder of the people belonging to the schooner; for which the wrecker was to have all things belonging to the vessel, and likewise their people's help to get what they could out of her, and were then to carry the crew to New Providence.

They belonged to a whaling schooner wrecked two days before our vessel, about nine miles to the north. When the schooner was wrecked, some of the crew had escaped in their boats. They had left some of their people and property on a small island, just as we had done. Like us, they were heading to New Providence to find a ship when they met this little sloop. The sloop was called a wrecker because its work in those seas was to search for wrecks. They were now going to pick up the rest of the schooner’s people. In return, the wrecker was to receive everything belonging to the schooner. The schooner’s people were also to help salvage whatever they could from the wreck. The wrecker was then to carry the crew to New Providence.

We told the people of the wrecker the condition of our vessel, and we made the same agreement with them as the schooner's people; and, on their complying, we begged of them to go to our key directly, because our people were in want of water. They agreed, therefore, to go along with us first; and in two days we arrived at the key, to the inexpressible joy of the people that we had left behind, as they had been reduced to great extremities for want of water in our absence. Luckily for us, the wrecker had now more people on board than she could carry or victual for any moderate length of time; they therefore hired the schooner's people to work on our wreck, and we left them our boat, and embarked for New Providence.

We told the wrecker’s crew about our vessel’s condition and made the same agreement with them as with the schooner’s crew. Once the wrecker’s crew agreed, we begged them to go straight to our cay because our people needed water. So the crew agreed to go with us first. Two days later, we reached the cay, to the indescribable joy of the people we had left behind. They had suffered terribly from lack of water while we were away. Luckily for us, the wrecker now had more people aboard than it could carry or feed for any reasonable time. So the wrecker’s crew hired the schooner’s crew to work on our wreck. We left our boat with them and sailed for New Providence.

Nothing could have been more fortunate than our meeting with this wrecker, for New Providence was at such a distance that we never could have reached it in our boat. The island of Abbico was much longer than we expected; and it was not till after sailing for three or four days that we got safe to the farther end of it, towards New Providence. When we arrived there we watered, and got a good many lobsters and other shellfish; which proved a great relief to us, as our provisions and water were almost exhausted. We then proceeded on our voyage; but the day after we left the island, late in the evening, and whilst we were yet amongst the Bahama keys, we were overtaken by a violent gale of wind, so that we were obliged to cut away the mast. The vessel was very near foundering; for she parted from her anchors, and struck several times on the shoals. Here we expected every minute that she would have gone to pieces, and each moment to be our last; so much so that my old captain and sickly useless mate, and several others, fainted; and death stared us in the face on every side. All the swearers on board now began to call on the God of Heaven to assist them: and, sure enough, beyond our comprehension he did assist us, and in a miraculous manner delivered us! In the very height of our extremity the wind lulled for a few minutes; and, although the swell was high beyond expression, two men, who were expert swimmers, attempted to go to the buoy of the anchor, which we still saw on the water, at some distance, in a little punt that belonged to the wrecker, which was not large enough to carry more than two. She filled different times in their endeavours to get into her alongside of our vessel; and they saw nothing but death before them, as well as we; but they said they might as well die that way as any other. A coil of very small rope, with a little buoy, was put in along with them; and, at last, with great hazard, they got the punt clear from the vessel; and these two intrepid water heroes paddled away for life towards the buoy of the anchor. The eyes of us all were fixed on them all the time, expecting every minute to be their last: and the prayers of all those that remained in their senses were offered up to God, on their behalf, for a speedy deliverance; and for our own, which depended on them; and he heard and answered us! These two men at last reached the buoy; and, having fastened the punt to it, they tied one end of their rope to the small buoy that they had in the punt, and sent it adrift towards the vessel. We on board observing this threw out boat-hooks and leads fastened to lines, in order to catch the buoy: at last we caught it, and fastened a hawser to the end of the small rope; we then gave them a sign to pull, and they pulled the hawser to them, and fastened it to the buoy: which being done we hauled for our lives; and, through the mercy of God, we got again from the shoals into deep water, and the punt got safe to the vessel. It is impossible for any to conceive our heartfelt joy at this second deliverance from ruin, but those who have suffered the same hardships. Those whose strength and senses were gone came to themselves, and were now as elated as they were before depressed. Two days after this the wind ceased, and the water became smooth. The punt then went on shore, and we cut down some trees; and having found our mast and mended it we brought it on board, and fixed it up. As soon as we had done this we got up the anchor, and away we went once more for New Providence, which in three days more we reached safe, after having been above three weeks in a situation in which we did not expect to escape with life. The inhabitants here were very kind to us; and, when they learned our situation, shewed us a great deal of hospitality and friendship. Soon after this every one of my old fellow-sufferers that were free parted from us, and shaped their course where their inclination led them. One merchant, who had a large sloop, seeing our condition, and knowing we wanted to go to Georgia, told four of us that his vessel was going there; and, if we would work on board and load her, he would give us our passage free. As we could not get any wages whatever, and found it very hard to get off the place, we were obliged to consent to his proposal; and we went on board and helped to load the sloop, though we had only our victuals allowed us. When she was entirely loaded he told us she was going to Jamaica first, where we must go if we went in her. This, however, I refused; but my fellow-sufferers not having any money to help themselves with, necessity obliged them to accept of the offer, and to steer that course, though they did not like it.

Nothing could have been more fortunate than meeting this wreck-salvage vessel. New Providence was so far away that we could never have reached it in our boat. The island of Abbico was much longer than we expected. Only after sailing for three or four days did we safely reach its far end, toward New Providence. There we took on water and gathered plenty of lobsters and other shellfish. These supplies brought us great relief, as our food and water were almost gone. We then continued our voyage. But late the next evening, while we were still among the Bahama keys, a violent gale overtook us. We had to cut away the mast. The vessel nearly sank, having broken free from its anchors and struck the shallows several times. We expected the vessel to break apart at any minute, and each moment seemed likely to be our last. My old captain, the sickly and useless mate, and several others fainted. Death stared us in the face on every side. All those on board who swore now began calling on the God of Heaven to help them. And indeed, in a way beyond our understanding, he helped us and miraculously delivered us! At the height of our danger, the wind eased for a few minutes. Although the waves were indescribably high, two expert swimmers tried to reach the anchor buoy some distance away. They used a little punt belonging to the salvage vessel, with room for only two people. The punt filled with water several times as they tried to climb into it alongside our vessel. Like us, they saw nothing but death ahead. But they said they might as well die that way as any other. A coil of very thin rope and a small buoy were put into the punt with them. At last, at great risk, they got the punt clear of the vessel. These two fearless heroes paddled for their lives toward the anchor buoy. All our eyes remained fixed on them, and we expected every minute to be their last. Everyone who remained conscious prayed to God for the men's speedy rescue, and for ours, which depended on them. And he heard and answered us! The two men finally reached the buoy and fastened the punt to it. Then they tied one end of their rope to the small buoy they had brought. They set the small buoy adrift toward our vessel. Seeing this, we threw out boat hooks and lead weights attached to lines, trying to catch the buoy. At last we caught it and fastened a heavy rope to the end of the thin rope. We signaled the men to pull. They pulled the heavy rope toward them and fastened it to the anchor buoy. Then we hauled for our lives. Through God's mercy, we pulled the vessel off the shallows and back into deep water. The punt also returned safely to the vessel. Only those who have suffered the same hardships can imagine our heartfelt joy at this second escape from destruction. Those who had lost their strength and consciousness recovered. They were now as overjoyed as they had been miserable before. Two days later, the wind stopped and the water became calm. We then went ashore in the punt and cut down some trees. Having found and repaired our mast, we brought it aboard and set it up. As soon as we finished, we raised the anchor and set off once more for New Providence. Three days later, we arrived safely. We had spent more than three weeks in circumstances we had not expected to survive. The inhabitants were very kind to us. When they learned what had happened, they showed us great hospitality and friendship. Soon afterward, all my former companions in suffering who were free left us, each going wherever he wished. A merchant who owned a large sloop saw our condition and knew we wanted to go to Georgia. He told four of us that his vessel was going there. If we worked aboard and helped load the vessel, he would give us free passage. We could find no paid work at all, and leaving the island was very difficult. So we had to accept his offer. We went aboard and helped load the sloop, receiving only our food in return. Once the vessel was fully loaded, the merchant told us it was going to Jamaica first. If we traveled aboard, we would have to go there. I refused, however. But my companions had no money to help themselves, so necessity forced them to accept the offer. They sailed for Jamaica, though they did not want to go.

We stayed in New Providence about seventeen or eighteen days; during which time I met with many friends, who gave me encouragement to stay there with them: but I declined it; though, had not my heart been fixed on England, I should have stayed, as I liked the place extremely, and there were some free black people here who were very happy, and we passed our time pleasantly together, with the melodious sound of the catguts, under the lime and lemon trees. At length Captain Phillips hired a sloop to carry him and some of the slaves that he could not sell to Georgia; and I agreed to go with him in this vessel, meaning now to take my farewell of that place. When the vessel was ready we all embarked; and I took my leave of New Providence, not without regret. We sailed about four o'clock in the morning, with a fair wind, for Georgia; and about eleven o'clock the same morning a short and sudden gale sprung up and blew away most of our sails; and, as we were still amongst the keys, in a very few minutes it dashed the sloop against the rocks. Luckily for us the water was deep; and the sea was not so angry but that, after having for some time laboured hard, and being many in number, we were saved through God's mercy; and, by using our greatest exertions, we got the vessel off. The next day we returned to Providence, where we soon got her again refitted. Some of the people swore that we had spells set upon us by somebody in Montserrat; and others that we had witches and wizzards amongst the poor helpless slaves; and that we never should arrive safe at Georgia. But these things did not deter me; I said, 'Let us again face the winds and seas, and swear not, but trust to God, and he will deliver us.' We therefore once more set sail; and, with hard labour, in seven day's time arrived safe at Georgia.

We stayed in New Providence for about seventeen or eighteen days. During that time, I met many friends who encouraged me to stay with them, but I declined. Still, if my heart had not been set on England, I would have stayed, as I liked the place immensely. Some free black people there were very happy. We spent pleasant hours together beneath the lime and lemon trees, listening to the melodious sound of stringed instruments. At last, Captain Phillips hired a sloop to take him and some enslaved people he could not sell to Georgia. I agreed to go with him on the vessel, intending now to say goodbye to New Providence. When the vessel was ready, we all boarded, and I left New Providence with regret. We sailed for Georgia at about four in the morning, with a favorable wind. At about eleven that same morning, a brief, sudden gale blew up and tore away most of our sails. We were still among the small islands, and within minutes the gale drove the sloop against the rocks. Luckily for us, the water was deep, and the sea was not too rough. After we had worked hard for some time, our large numbers helped us, and through God's mercy we were saved. By making every effort, we freed the vessel from the rocks. The next day, we returned to Providence, where we soon had the vessel repaired and ready again. Some of the people swore that somebody in Montserrat had put spells on us. Others swore there were witches and wizards among the poor, helpless enslaved people, and that we would never reach Georgia safely. But these claims did not discourage me. I said, 'Let us face the winds and seas again, and do not swear, but trust in God. He will deliver us.' So we set sail once more, and after seven days of hard work, we arrived safely in Georgia.

After our arrival we went up to the town of Savannah; and the same evening I went to a friend's house to lodge, whose name was Mosa, a black man. We were very happy at meeting each other; and after supper we had a light till it was between nine and ten o'clock at night. About that time the watch or patrol came by; and, discerning a light in the house, they knocked at the door: we opened it; and they came in and sat down, and drank some punch with us: they also begged some limes of me, as they understood I had some, which I readily gave them. A little after this they told me I must go to the watch-house with them: this surprised me a good deal, after our kindness to them; and I asked them, Why so? They said that all negroes who had light in their houses after nine o'clock were to be taken into custody, and either pay some dollars or be flogged. Some of those people knew that I was a free man; but, as the man of the house was not free, and had his master to protect him, they did not take the same liberty with him they did with me. I told them that I was a free man, and just arrived from Providence; that we were not making any noise, and that I was not a stranger in that place, but was very well known there: 'Besides,' said I, 'what will you do with me?'—'That you shall see,' replied they, 'but you must go to the watch-house with us.' Now whether they meant to get money from me or not I was at a loss to know; but I thought immediately of the oranges and limes at Santa Cruz: and seeing that nothing would pacify them I went with them to the watch-house, where I remained during the night. Early the the next morning these imposing ruffians flogged a negro-man and woman that they had in the watch-house, and then they told me that I must be flogged too. I asked why? and if there was no law for free men? And told them if there was I would have it put in force against them. But this only exasperated them the more; and instantly they swore they would serve me as Doctor Perkins had done; and they were going to lay violent hands on me; when one of them, more humane than the rest, said that as I was a free man they could not justify stripping me by law. I then immediately sent for Doctor Brady, who was known to be an honest and worthy man; and on his coming to my assistance they let me go.

After we arrived, we went up to the town of Savannah. That evening I went to stay at the house of my friend Mosa, a black man. We were very happy to see each other. After supper, we kept a light burning until sometime between nine and ten at night. Around that time, the watch, or patrol, came by. Seeing a light in the house, they knocked at the door. We opened the door, and they came in, sat down, and drank some punch with us. They also asked me for some limes, since they had heard I had some. I readily gave them some. A little later, they told me I had to go with them to the watch-house. Their demand surprised me a good deal after our kindness to them, and I asked them why. They said all black people with lights burning in their houses after nine o'clock were to be taken into custody. Those arrested had to pay some dollars or be whipped. Some of the patrol knew I was a free man. But Mosa was not free and had his master to protect him. So they did not take the same liberties with him as they did with me. I told them I was a free man and had just arrived from Providence. We were making no noise. I was also no stranger to the place, but was very well known there. 'Besides,' I said, 'what will you do with me?' 'You shall see,' they replied, 'but you must go to the watch-house with us.' I could not tell whether they meant to get money from me. But I immediately thought of the oranges and limes at Santa Cruz. Seeing that nothing would satisfy them, I went with them to the watch-house, where I spent the night. Early the next morning, these bullying ruffians whipped a black man and woman they were holding in the watch-house. Then they told me I must be whipped too. I asked why, and whether there was no law to protect free men. I told them that if there was, I would have it enforced against them. But my words only angered them more. They immediately swore they would treat me as Doctor Perkins had done, and were about to seize me violently. Then one of them, more humane than the rest, spoke up. He said that since I was a free man, they had no legal grounds for stripping me. I immediately sent for Doctor Brady, who was known to be an honest and decent man. When he came to help me, they let me go.

This was not the only disagreeable incident I met with while I was in this place; for, one day, while I was a little way out of the town of Savannah, I was beset by two white men, who meant to play their usual tricks with me in the way of kidnapping. As soon as these men accosted me, one of them said to the other, 'This is the very fellow we are looking for that you lost:' and the other swore immediately that I was the identical person. On this they made up to me, and were about to handle me; but I told them to be still and keep off; for I had seen those kind of tricks played upon other free blacks, and they must not think to serve me so. At this they paused a little, and one said to the other—it will not do; and the other answered that I talked too good English. I replied, I believed I did; and I had also with me a revengeful stick equal to the occasion; and my mind was likewise good. Happily however it was not used; and, after we had talked together a little in this manner, the rogues left me. I stayed in Savannah some time, anxiously trying to get to Montserrat once more to see Mr. King, my old master, and then to take a final farewell of the American quarter of the globe. At last I met with a sloop called the Speedwell, Captain John Bunton, which belonged to Grenada, and was bound to Martinico, a French island, with a cargo of rice, and I shipped myself on board of her. Before I left Georgia a black woman, who had a child lying dead, being very tenacious of the church burial service, and not able to get any white person to perform it, applied to me for that purpose. I told her I was no parson; and besides, that the service over the dead did not affect the soul. This however did not satisfy her; she still urged me very hard: I therefore complied with her earnest entreaties, and at last consented to act the parson for the first time in my life. As she was much respected, there was a great company both of white and black people at the grave. I then accordingly assumed my new vocation, and performed the funeral ceremony to the satisfaction of all present; after which I bade adieu to Georgia, and sailed for Martinico.

This was not the only unpleasant incident I experienced in this place. One day, a little way outside the town of Savannah, two white men approached me, intending their usual kidnapping tricks. As soon as they spoke to me, one said to the other, 'This is the very fellow we are looking for, the one you lost:' and the other immediately swore that I was indeed that person. Then they came closer and were about to seize me. But I told them to stop and keep away. I had seen such tricks played on other free black people, and they must not think of treating me that way. At my warning, they hesitated, and one told the other their plan would not work. The other answered that I spoke English too well. I replied that I believed I did. I also carried a stick fit to punish them if necessary, and I had the courage to use it. Fortunately, however, I did not need to. After we had exchanged a few more words like these, the rogues left me. I stayed in Savannah for some time, anxiously trying to reach Montserrat once more to see Mr. King, my former master. Then I intended to say a final farewell to the American part of the world. At last I found a sloop called the Speedwell, commanded by Captain John Bunton. The ship belonged to Grenada and was bound for Martinico, a French island, with a cargo of rice. I signed on to sail aboard her. Before I left Georgia, a black woman whose child lay dead asked me to conduct the church burial service. She felt strongly about having the service and could not find any white person to perform it. I told her I was no minister. Besides, I said, the service for the dead did not affect the soul. But my explanation did not satisfy her, and she continued to press me. So I gave in to her earnest pleas and agreed to act as minister for the first time in my life. Because she was highly respected, a large gathering of both white and black people came to the grave. I then took on my new role and performed the funeral ceremony to the satisfaction of everyone present. Afterward, I said farewell to Georgia and sailed for Martinico.