each other for the support of life. Neither is it by the
Narratives about to be given that we are to calculate on the frequency
of shipwreck. It is an event that has been of constant occurrence
since a period long anterior to what the earliest records can reach.
In England it is calculated that about 5000 natives of the British
Isles yearly perish at sea.

This perpetual exposure to peril, however, materially contributes to
the formation of character, and hence are sailors preeminently
distinguished by courage, endurance, and ready invention. Habituated
to the instability of the ocean, they make little account of danger,
and are invariably the first in matters of the most daring
enterprise. Incessantly subjected to toil, they labor long and
patiently without murmur, and the prompt and vigorous measures which
are indispensable to their security, teach them the immediate
application of whatever means are within their power.

A natural desire to know the fate of their fellow creatures seems
implanted in the breast of mankind, and the most powerful sympathies
are excited by listening to the misfortunes of the innocent. To record
some impressive examples of calamity, or unlooked for deliverance, is
the object of these pages; and it will be seen of what astonishing
advantage are the virtues of decision, temperance, perseverance and
unwavering hope in moments of extreme peril and despair.

CONTENTS.

Page

Adventures of Capt. Woodward and Five Seamen in the
island of Celebes, 7

An Occurrence at sea, 14

Loss of H. B. M ship Phoenix, off Cuba, 16

An account of the Whale Fishery, with anecdotes of the
dangers attending it, 30

Loss of the Brig Tyrrel, 49

Loss of the Peggy, 58

Loss of H. B. M. ship Litchfield, 64

Wreck of the Rothsay Castle Steamer, 74

Loss of the French ship Droits de L'Homme, 78

Loss of H. B. M. ship Queen Charlotte, 82

A Scene on the Atlantic Ocean, 84

Wreck of the French Frigate Medusa, on the Arguin Bank, 87

Loss of the Royal George,