Appendix 253

Moore, with tears in his eyes, confessed that he knew of no method. Captain Nicholls proposed hoisting out the boats, that in case a ship should appear, they might save their lives, as the gale was more moderate. Captain Moore thought it would be impossible, as everyone would endeavour to get into them. The former captain however, called his mates, carpenters, and men, and pro- posed getting their boats out, at the same time ac- quainting them that it was to save if possible, every soul on board and that in case any person was to be so rash as to insist upon going into the boats, besides those whom he should think proper, he would immediately punish such person. They all solemnly declared that his commands should be as implicitly obeyed as if the ship were in her former good condition—a rare instance of obedience and submission.

The captain then went and acquainted the head prisoner whom they had on board, with what they were going to attempt. He was a hundred and ten years old, was the father of the whole island, and had a number of children, grand-children, and other relations on board. He assured the captain that he and his fellow-prisoners would assist him in anything he proposed, and the cap- tain in return assured them that he would run the same chance with them, and never desert them.

Captain Nicholls now asked Mr. Fox and the car- penter if they were willing to venture in the long-boat; they answered bravely that they were; for whether they died in the vessel or a mile or two farther was a matter of very little consequence ; and as there was no prospect but death if they stayed they would willingly make the attempt. The captain then proposed to Captain Moore, the carpenter, and mate, their going into the cutter,