Vaughan endeavoured to encourage his mother and Lettice, as well as the
other ladies and children. Presently there came a grating sound, but
the ship glided on till she finally stopped, and then there came a
shout, "We are safe! we are safe!" Vaughan, on rushing on deck found
that the ship had glided on to a sandbank, while the shore of an island
appeared little more than half a mile away, offering an easy landing to
the storm-tossed voyagers. Thanksgivings arose from many a heart on
board for their preservation; but others, it must be owned, thought only
how they might most quickly get on shore.

The admiral forthwith ordered the boats to be lowered, directing Captain
Newport to summon those by name who were to go in them. The governor,
as was right, went in the first, with all the women and children. As no
signs of natives had been seen, it was not feared that opposition would
be met with; nevertheless, the smaller boats were sent first to pilot
the way. Vaughan and two other gentlemen passengers were requested to
accompany the governor, in order to assist in taking care of the ladies.
They were watched with some anxiety as they took their departure.

The passage to the shore was accomplished without difficulty, and the
boats entered a beautiful little bay, with a sandy beach, where the
passengers easily landed. "Let us return thanks to Heaven for our
preservation," exclaimed the good chaplain, as they stepped on shore;
when all kneeling down, led by one who prayed not only with the lips but
with his whole heart, they lifted up their voices to Him to whose mighty
arm they gratefully acknowledged their preservation alone was due. The
boats being immediately sent back to the ship, in a few trips the whole
of those on board were landed. As there was still sufficient daylight,
the boats were then again despatched to bring away provisions, as well
as the carpenter's tools and other articles of the greatest necessity,
including some sails for tents, that the ladies and the governor and the
other older persons might have shelter for the night. The rest, by
cutting down branches, made huts for themselves, with beds of leaves;
and thus, as soon as supper had been taken--the first quiet meal they
had enjoyed since the storm began--the whole of the worn-out crew and
passengers lay down to sleep, with the exception of those told off to
keep watch. Probably, ere many minutes were over, the weary sentries
also closed