Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full load of
the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a second freight,
which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard that the flour only
fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was worth at Trinidad thirteen;
so that the villain who bought my cargo at Principe, made very large
profits by it.

Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again, with fore
top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of the Exertion
and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and discharged her
last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba. They appeared to
load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh," which echoed from one
vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by us. How wounding was this
to me! How different was this sound from what it would have been, had I
been permitted to pass unmolested by these lawless plunderers, and been
favored with a safe arrival at the port of my destination, where my
cargo would have found an excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on
its discharging, have been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon
she sailed with the perough in tow, both with a full load, having
chairs, which was part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.

Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they laughed
at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon us as though
we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not sufficiently
punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain, Captain,"
accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I shall not
blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such conduct, nor could I
expect it among such a gang, who have no idea of subordination on
board, except when in chase of vessels, and even then but very little.
My resentment was excited at such a malicious outrage, and I felt a
disposition to revenge myself, should fortune ever favor me with an
opportunity. It was beyond human nature not to feel and express some
indignation at such treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well
armed, came to us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and
pair of pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the
hand, saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following) he
said, "the captain send me for your _wash_" I pretended not to
understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor any soap
to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my watch about
me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it again as before;
and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this raised his anger, and
lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what the d--l you call him that
make clock? give it me." I considered it imprudent to contend any
longer, and submitted to his unlawful demand. As he was going off, he
gave me a small bundle, in which was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me
by Nickola, and also the Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This
gave me great satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain,
who had one arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his
diminutive wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had fallen in
with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had three of his men
killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar turned to me and said,
"it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be correct, for his arm was
not wounded, and when I saw him again, which was soon afterwards, he had
forgotten to sling it up. He further told me, "after tomorrow you shall
go with your vessel, and we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This
gave me some new hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us
without rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.

Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among our
Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would never
come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.

Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than ever. The
pirates were employed in setting up our devoted schooner's shrouds,
stays, &c. My condition now reminded me of the hungry man, chained in
one corner of a room, while at another part was a table loaded with
delicious food and fruits, the smell and sight of which he was
continually to experience, but alas! his chains were never to be loosed
that he might go and partake--at almost the same moment they were thus
employed, the axe was applied with the greatest dexterity to both her
masts and I saw them fall over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at
my condition, and then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners
were so disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves,
if possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled to
serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true, seemed
left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them during the day,
and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it, determined if we
discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt the plan of hiding,
although starvation stared us in the face--yet preferred that to instant
death. This night was passed in sufficient anxiety--I took the first
watch.

Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but left
every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him where
they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied, "I do not
know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel again--but the pirates
made sail, ran down, took us in tow and stood out of the harbor. Bolidar
afterwards took me, my mate and two of my men on board and gave us some
coffee. On examination I found they had several additional light sails,
made of the Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and
my colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them. My
jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was disposed
of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and the captain
one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever seen him have on
before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and forbid my friend
Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the companion way in the captain's
cabin my quadrant, spy glass and other things which belonged to us, and
observed by the compass, that the course steered was about west by
south,--distance nearly twenty miles, which brought them up with a
cluster of islands called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and
caught some fish, (one of which was named _guard fish_) of which we had
a taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to our
fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the worst is
to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they would give us
our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy even in this shape
was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain and officers
whispering for some time in private conference. When over, their boat
was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went to one of those
Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return, another conference
took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives we could not tell. I
did not think conscience could be entirely extinguished in the human
breast, or that men could become fiends. In the afternoon, while we knew
not the doom which had been fixed for us, the captain was engaged with
several of his men in gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five
hundred dollars, they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had
made his unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and water,
and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one of my fellow
prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his eyes to speak to the
captain, but was refused with the answer. "I'll have nothing to say to
any prisoner, go into the boat." In the mean time Nickola said to me,
"My friend, I will give you your book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,)
"it is the only thing of yours that is in my possession; I dare not
attempt any thing more." But the captain forbid his giving it to me, and
I stepped into the boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice,
"never mind, I may see you again before I die." The small boat was well
armed and manned, and both set off together for the island, where they
had agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all attempts
to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives away, as Bolidar
was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two miles north-easterly
from the pirates, to a small low island, lonely and desolate. We arrived
about sunset; and for the support of us eleven prisoners, they only left
a ten gallon keg of water, and perhaps a few quarts, in another small
vessel, which was very poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of
lard, one ham and some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot;
an old sail for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was
thrown out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our means
of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not. We now
felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively nothing. A man
may live nearly twice as long without food, as without water. Look at us
now, my friends, left benighted on a little spot of sand in the midst of
the ocean, far from the usual track of vessels, and every appearance of
a violent thunder tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings,
and the circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched; and to
paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were moving from
the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked Bolidar, "If he was
going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only two days--we go for water
and wood, then come back, take you." I requested him to give us bread
and other stores, for they had plenty in the boat, and at least one
hundred barrels of flour in the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow
morning me come, me give you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This
was the last time I saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a
spot most convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with leaves of
the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn or blown off.
After spreading the old sail over this roof, we placed our little stock
of provisions under it. Soon after came on a heavy shower of rain which
penetrated the canvas, and made it nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it
would have been out. We were not prepared to catch water, having nothing
to put it in. Our next object was to get fire, and after gathering some
of the driest fuel to be found, and having a small piece of cotton
wick-yarn, with flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never
afterwards suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we
found a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands of
creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &c. After scraping them
out as well as we could, the most of us having nothing but the damp
earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes of some rest; but it being
so wet, gave many of us severe colds, and one of the Spaniards was quite
sick for several days.

Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to take a view
of our little island, and found it to measure only one acre, of coarse,
white sand; about two feet, and in some spots perhaps three feet above
the surface of the ocean. On the highest part were growing some bushes
and small mangroves, (the dry part of which was our fuel) and the wild
castor oil beans. We were greatly disappointed in not finding the latter
suitable food; likewise some of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us
only a few pears about the size of our small button pear; the outside
has thorns, which if applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there,
and cause a severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have suffered
so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not for us. On the
northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the tide penetrated the
sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in hurricanes the island was
nearly overflowed. According to the best calculations I could make, we
were about thirty-five miles from any part of Cuba, one hundred from
Trinidad and forty from the usual track of American vessels, or others
which might pass that way. No vessel of any considerable size, can
safely pass among these Keys (or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards
call them) being a large number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
one hundred and fifty miles distance; and many more than the charts have
laid down, most of them very low and some covered at high water, which
makes it very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After
taking this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we looked
anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise with more
water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them soon after get
under way with all sail set and run directly from us until out of our
sight, and _we never saw them again_! One may partially imagine our
feelings, but they cannot be put into words. Before they were entirely
out of sight of us, we raised the white blanket upon a pole, waving it
in the air, in hopes, that at two miles distance they would see it and
be moved to pity. But pity in such monsters was not to be found. It was
not their interest to save us from the lingering death, which we now saw
before us. We tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had
witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the
instrument of his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for
water. We dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt
for use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came on
short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we had by
lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and it was soon
gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with
salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small
pancakes to begin with. The ham was reserved for some more important
occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water. The
remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and
reflection. At night, I read prayers from the "Prayer Book," before
mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the
pirates. This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay
there. Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.

Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation
of finding something useful. On our way picked up a paddle about three
feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handle,
which was like that of a shovel, the top part being split off; we laid
it by for the present. We likewise found some konchs and roasted them;
they were pretty good shell fish, though rather tough. We discovered at
low water, a bar or spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about
three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with
mangrove trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr.
Bracket and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
without success. The tide rises about four feet.

Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or cabbage tree,
and some pieces of boards, put them together in the form of a raft, and
endeavored to cross, but that proved ineffectual. Being disappointed, we
set down to reflect upon other means of relief, intending to do all in
our power for safety while our strength continued. While setting here,
the sun was so powerful and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the
sea, which was then calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was
so painful, that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and
flies were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the ground
to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we found a
hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night the strong
north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all seasons, was so cold as
to make it equally uncomfortable with the day. Thus day after day, our
sufferings and apprehensions multiplying, we were very generally
alarmed.

Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee, made of the
water which we thought least salt, and two or three of the little
cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make another visit
to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more, which might make a
raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid perishing by thirst.
Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across the bar and searched all
the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a number of sugar-box shooks, two
lashing plank and some pieces of old spars, which were a part of the
Exertion's deck load, that was thrown overboard when she grounded on the
bar, spoken of in the first part of the narrative. It seems they had
drifted fifteen miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys
within our reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly
have placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was blowing
so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round to our island,
and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for the present; then dug
for water in the highest place, but found it as salt as ever, and then
returned to our habitation. But hunger and thirst began to prey upon us,
and our comforts were as few as our hopes.

Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in order to
raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for building. But
the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were again compelled to
postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail where there was the
slightest hopes of life. Returning without it, we found on our way an
old top timber of some vessel; it had several spikes on it, which we
afterwards found very serviceable. In the hollow of an old tree, we
found two guarnas of small size, one male, the other female. Only one
was caught. After taking off the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and
a half. With some flour and lard, (the only things we had except salt
water,) it made us a fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though
a small one for eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small
vessel hove in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a
pole and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us; should
they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and perhaps would
give us some water, for which we began to suffer most excessively; but,
notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no notice of us.

Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and smooth
sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them, but they were
very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit of strangling, with
swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and said, "something like
salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most of us then set off for the
Keys, where the plank and shooks were put together in a raft, which we
with pieces of boards paddled over to our island; when we consulted the
best plan, either to build a raft large enough for us all to go on, or a
boat; but the shooks having three or four nails in each, and having a
piece of large reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins,
we concluded to make a boat.

Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer no
apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet long,
and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the bottom of the
boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut timber and knees from
mangrove trees which spread so much as to make the boat four feet wide
at the top, placed them exactly the distance apart of an Havana sugar
box.--Her stern was square and the bows tapered to a peak, making her
form resemble a flat-iron. We proceeded thus far and returned to rest
for the night--but Mr. Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.

Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of the
Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful in
fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on board the
pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our spirits began to
revive, though _water, water_, was continually in our minds. We now
feared the pirates might possibly come, find out our plan and put us to
death, (although before we had wished to see them, being so much in want
of water.) Our labor was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards
considerably peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind
captain, by and by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um
hung." We quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it
necessary to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found
some herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although the
water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and taste,
though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting round the
fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's eyes shone
like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you will die before
morning--I think you are struck with death now." I thought so too, and
told him, "I thought it most likely we should all die here soon; but as
some one of us might survive to carry the tidings to our friends, if you
have any thing to say respecting your family, now is the time."--He then
said, "I have a mother in Saco where I belong--she is a second time a
widow--to-morrow if you can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will
write something." But no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the
night he had another spell of strangling, and soon after expired,
without much pain and without a groan. He was about twenty-six years
old.--How solemn was this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of
death commenced upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy
release. For myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to
live if God should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and
exhaustion had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.

Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while myself
and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of sand on the
northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's grave, and boxed it
up with shooks, thinking it would be the most suitable spot for the rest
of us--whose turn would come next, we knew not. At about ten o'clock,
A.M. conveyed the corpse to the grave, followed by us survivers--a
scene, whose awful solemnity can never be painted. We stood around the
grave, and there I read the funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's
Family Prayer Book; and committed the body to the earth; covered it with
some pieces of board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the
Spaniards, an old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to
him, made a cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus
Christ hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should stand
there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths parched
with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but little
progress during the remainder of this day, but in the evening were
employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken from the old sail.

Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much vigor as
our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a day of trial to
us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could not well understand
each other's plans, and they being naturally petulant, would not work,
nor listen with any patience for Joseph, our English fellow prisoner, to
explain our views--they would sometimes undo what they had done, and in
a few minutes replace it again; however before night we began to caulk
her seams, by means of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a
caulking-iron, and had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form
something like a boat.

Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others at
battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine nailed
over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
rest went about making a sail from the one we had used for a covering,
also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a paddle, tied
on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line brought by one of the
prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was completed and put
afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped, that she would be
sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we made a trial and were
disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial, and the emotions it called
up were not easy to be suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go to.--And now the question was,
"who should go, and how many?" I found it necessary for six; four to
row, one to steer and one to bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
Frenchman claimed the right, as being best acquainted with the nearest
inhabitants; likewise, they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria,
(about forty miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They
promised to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I
thought it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my
stead, because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection,
and my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of the
least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set off a
little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for their safety
and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide ocean, with
strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this, you will
say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but what else was left to
us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key where the Exertion was and
if no boat was to be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and if none
there, to go to Trinidad and send us relief.--But alas! it was the last
time I ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was most acute.

Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat drifting by on
the southeastern side of the island about a mile distant. I deemed it a
providential thing to us, and urged Thomas and George trying the raft
for her. They reluctantly consented and set off, but it was nearly three
P.M. when they came up with her--it was the same boat we had built!
Where then was my friend Bracket and those who went with him? Every
appearance was unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet
preserved him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of
water, without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her up,
so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting back with
the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been nearly calm, they
could never have returned.

Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had ever
experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my friend Bracket
could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions nearly gone; our
mouths parched extremely with thirst; our strength wasted; our spirits
broken, and our hopes imprisoned within the circumference of this
desolate island in the midst of an unfrequented ocean; all these things
gave to the scene around us the hue of death. In the midst of this
dreadful despondence, a sail hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our
hopes were raised, of course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by
hearing a gun fired. Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon,
however, came near enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us
with three men in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than
famine, I walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A
moment before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows
and caught me in his arms! _It was Nickola_!--saying, "Do you now
believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, _Jamieson_ will yet prove
himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this moment. This was
a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing them before, was that
they had cut their beards and whiskers. Turning to my fellow-sufferers,
Nickola asked--"Are these all that are left of you? where are the
others?"--At this moment seeing David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah!
I suspected it, I know what you were put here for." As soon as I could
recover myself, I gave him an account of Mr. Bracket and the
others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates
have taken them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you
had better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each of us; then
holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled with wine, said
"Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I judged prudent. They
then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
relief, not feeling it in my head; they had also brought in the boat for
us, a dish of salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a little. Then
sent the boat on board for the other two men, being five in all; who
came ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young,
one of my crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now
thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear friend
Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there) that "I and the
rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the friend in whom I had
placed so much confidence, that he had accomplished my highest
expectations; and that I should go immediately to Trinidad, and
requested him to go there also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
consignee, for assistance." I put the paper into a junk bottle,
previously found on the beach, put in a stopper, and left it, together
with what little flour remained, a keg of water brought from Nickola's
vessel, and a few other things which I thought might be of service to
him. We then repaired with our friends on board, where we were kindly
treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a
cargo of rum and wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they
intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I
preferred Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's
boat which was along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions,
we would take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one hundred
miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
service." I expressed a wish to take a look at the Exertion, possibly we
might hear something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very well," so got
under way, and run for her, having a light westerly wind. He then
related to me the manner of their desertion from the pirates; as nearly
as I can recollect his own words, he said, "A few days since, the
pirates took four small vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but
two officers for the two first, the third fell to me as prize master,
and having an understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas,
selected them for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the
Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one
man and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little sloop
(which we are now in) together with the one man. The night being very
dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our course and touched
at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw no boats there, could
hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all at the risk of our lives
to come and liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as we did, that you
were put on this Key to perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
thinking possibly you might have been there. On board her we found a
sail and paddle. We took one of the pirate's boats which they had left
along-side of her, which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the
circumstance I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When
the pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their abandoned
pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to it; then,
after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put on the little
island from whence we have now taken you. But after this was done, that
night the French and Portuguese part of the Mexican's crew protested
against it; so that Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his large boat
to take you and your fellow prisoners back again, taking care to select
his confidential Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they
set off from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported they
had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were there,
somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here know to be
true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been liberated, and
therefore we determined among ourselves, that should an opportunity
occur we would come and save your lives, as we now have." He then
expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
language.

Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,

Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
little sloop where we remained till--

Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.

Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
number of armed men in her. This alarmed my friends, and as we did not
see the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the boat was a pirate, and
looking through the spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
Mexican's men! This state of things was quite alarming. They said, "we
will not be taken alive by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket;
the ball passed through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
them off: I endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the
brig was a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot came.
Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help them, I
was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received several
shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side. Our boats
had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we gained upon
them--continued firing until they turned from us, and went for our
boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after this, it became
calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her power.--She manned and
armed two more boats for us. We now concluded, since we had scarcely any
ammunition, to surrender; and were towed down along-side the brig on
board, and were asked by the captain, who could speak English, "what for
you fire on the boat?" I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not
like to be taken by them again, having already suffered too much;"
showing my papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take
some dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and his
three associates were immediately put in irons. They were, however,
afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I understood the
Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the surest way to better
their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but think that
he did, as I understood that offer was made to him: I however endeavored
to explain more distinctly to the captain, the benevolent efforts of
these four men by whom my life had been saved, and used every argument
in my power to procure their discharge. I also applied to the governor,
and exerted myself with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with
heartfelt gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on
his way to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing
him that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with my
influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts will be
accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board the brig; after
which the captain requested a certificate that I was politely treated by
him, saying that his name was Captain Candama, of the privateer brig
Prudentee of eighteen guns. This request I complied with. His first
lieutenant told me he had sailed out of Boston, as commander for T.C.
Amory, Esq. during the last war. In the course of the evening my friends
were taken out of irons and examined separately, then put back again.
The captain invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the
night, which was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I
with my people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was never
sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at the wharf
Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the guard house,
which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and even calling us,
pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who resides there
brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to the governor; for I would not
show my papers to any one else. He came about sunset, and after
examining Manuel my Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be,
giving me the papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly
invited by Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on
board his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest hospitality;
for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave me
drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and he took me in. He
likewise took Manuel and my three men for that night. Next day Mr. Lord
rendered me all necessary assistance in making my protest. He had heard
nothing from me until my arrival. I was greatly disappointed in not
finding Mr. Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid
if he should come there. To Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me
a passage to Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of
Trinidad, and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea
clothing, &c., I offer my cordial gratitude.

I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are linked in
with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many respects
appears covertly to encourage them.

It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative was
written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are safe; he
arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter
has been received from him, stating that he should proceed to Trinidad
the first opportunity.--It appears that after reaching the wreck, they
found a boat from the shore, taking on board some of the Exertion's
cargo, in which they proceeded to the above place. Why it was not in his
power to come to our relief will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed
when he may be so fortunate as once more to return to his native country
and friends.

I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my readers
will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig Prudentee near
Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe eighteen months
after I reached home, when I received a letter from him, from Montego
Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then residing in that island. I
immediately wrote to him, and invited him to come on to the United
States. He accordingly came on passenger with Captain Wilson of
Cohasset, and arrived in Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was very
affecting. Trying scenes were brought up before us; scenes gone forever,
through which we had passed together, where our acquaintance was formed,
and since which time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver
of my life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my
home, my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united in
giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated in
Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen replied that they
would, but he said nothing, being determined to make his escape, the
very first opportunity which should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed brig of eighteen guns. Being
of about equal force, they gave battle, and fought between three and
four hours. Both parties were very much injured; and, without any
considerable advantage on either side, both drew off to make repairs.
The Spanish brig Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
wounded in the action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken
on shore, with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St.
Jago. Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking for
Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there, travelled
barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted, he reached
Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his brothers
possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards wrote to me. He
told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar, with several other pirates,
brought into Montego Bay, from whence they were to be conveyed to
Kingston to be executed. Whether the others were part of the Mexican's
crew, or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson
said, it was a melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to
execution with those gray hairs, which might have been venerable in
virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he
was full of years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the
letter which I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
and came to Boston, as I have before observed.

According to his own account he was of a very respectable family in
Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth merchant,
but both his father and mother had been dead many years. He was the
youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of a roving
disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received a polite
education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He spoke several
living languages, and was skilled in drawing and painting. He had
travelled extensively in different countries, and acquired in
consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and customs. His
varied information (for hardly any subject escaped him) rendered him a
very entertaining companion. His observations on the character of
different nations were very liberal; marking their various traits, their
virtues and vices, with playful humorousness, quite free from bigotry,
or narrow prejudice.

I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he came to
Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my mate. He
afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the mackerel
fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
winter frequently employed himself in teaching navigation to young men,
for which he was eminently qualified. He remained with us, until his
death, which took place in 1829. At this time he had been out at sea two
or three days, when he was taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod,
where he died, on the first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie
buried. Peace be to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his
kindred and his native country.

Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was
Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He informed me
that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
government vessel, from Jamaica, which was cruising in search of it.
Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel, and fled to the
mangrove bushes, on an island similar to that on which they had placed
me and my crew to die. The English surrounded them, and thus they were
cut off from all hopes of escape. They remained there, I think fourteen
days, when being almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered
themselves, and were taken. The others probably perished among the
mangroves. The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel
into Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were in a
state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful length, their
bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their countenances were
hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there
hung on Friday, the 7th of February, 1823.

About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched culprits were
taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the 50th regiment,
and the City Guard. On their arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
retired, and the prisoners, with the Town Guard were put on board two
wherries, in which they proceeded to Port Royal Point, the usual place
of execution in similar cases. They were there met by a strong party of
military, consisting of 50 men, under command of an officer. They formed
themselves into a square round the place of execution, with the sheriff
and his officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.

The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
were to close their existence.

They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with