he Voyage of the Potomac, who has taken the most lively
interest in our case, and Mr. Joseph P. Bradley, of Boston, to
whose untiring zeal and benevolence I feel myself to be indebted
more than I am able to express.

HORACE HOLDEN"

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Equipment and departure of the ship Mentor from the port of New
Bedford, Massachusetts.--The ship's company.--Arrival at
Fayal.--Passage down the Cape de Verd islands, and round the cape of
Good Hope, to the Indian ocean.--Cruising among the islands, and
arrival at the port of Coupang, in Timor.--A violent storm.--The ship
strikes on a coral reef off the Pelew islands.--Alarm and distressing
situation of the ship's company, and sudden loss of eleven of their
number.--The survivors preserved upon a dry part of the reef
13

CHAPTER II.

The situation of the survivors of the ship's company upon the reef
during the night.--A canoe filled with savage natives approaches the
reef; intercourse with them; and description of their persons and
terrific appearance.--Their pilfering of the articles saved, and
plundering of the ship.--Several canoes arrive.--Mr. Nute's resolute
conduct towards the natives.--The ship's company pursue their course,
in their boat, towards an island, on which they land after severe
suffering
29

CHAPTER III.

A canoe, with two natives, approaches the island.--Communication
opened with them.--A great number of canoes, filled with armed
natives, suddenly arrive; rough treatment of the captain by one of
the chiefs.--They all arrive at the harbor of the island, which
proved to be one of the Pelew islands.--Description of the island and
its inhabitants.--Consultation of the chiefs respecting the ship's
company.--Result of the consultation
41

CHAPTER IV.

An extraordinary and unexpected meeting with a person not a
native.--Happy result of the meeting.--Acquisition of the Pelew
language.--Dissensions between two portions of the natives.--Three of
the ship's company separated and carried to a place remote from
the rest.--Attempt to construct a boat, in order to leave
the island.--The natives agree to release them all for a
compensation.--Solemnities observe