e proposed then to write upon a plank an abridgement of our
adventures, and to add our names at the bottom of the recital, and fix
it to the upper part of the mast, in the hope it would reach the
government and our families.

After having passed two hours, a prey to the most cruel reflections, the
master gunner of the frigate, wishing to go to the front of the raft,
went out from below the tent. Scarcely had he put out his head, when he
turned to us, uttering a piercing cry. Joy was painted upon his face;
his hands were stretched towards the sea; he breathed with difficulty.
All he was able to say was: "SAVED! SEE THE BRIG UPON US!" and in fact
it was not more than half a league distant, having every sail set, and
steering right upon us. We rushed from our tent; even those whom
enormous wounds in their inferior extremities had confined for many
days, dragged themselves to the back of the raft, to enjoy a sight of
the ship which had come to save us from certain death. We embraced one
another with a transport which looked much like madness, and tears of
joy trickled down our cheeks, withered by the most cruel privations.
Each seized handkerchiefs, or some pieces of linen, to make signals to
the brig, which was rapidly approaching us. Some fell on their knees,
and fervently returned thanks to Providence for this miraculous
preservation of their lives. Our joy redoubled when we saw at the top of
the fore-mast a large white flag, and we cried, "It is then to Frenchmen
we will owe our deliverance." We instantly recognised the brig to be the
Argus; it was then about two gun-shots from us. We were terribly
impatient to see her reef her sails, which at last she did, and fresh
cries of joy arose from our raft. The Argus came and lay-to on our
starboard, about half a pistol-shot from us. The crew, ranged upon the
deck and on the shrouds, announced to us, by the waving of their hands
and hats, the pleasure they felt at coming to the assistance of their
unfortunate countrymen. In a short time we were all transported on board
the brig, where we found the lieutenant of the frigate, and some others
who had been wrecked with us. Compassion was painted on every face; and
pity drew tears from every eye which beheld us.

We found some excellent broth on board the brig, which they had
prepared, and when they had perceived us they added to it some wine, and
thus restored our nearly exhausted strength. They bestowed on us the
most generous c