e had lost twenty men. We will not affirm that this was the exact
number; for we perceived some soldiers who, to have more than their
share, took rations for two, and even three; we were so huddled
together that we found it absolutely impossible to prevent this abuse.

In the midst of these horrors a touching scene of filial piety drew
our tears. Two young men raised and recognized their father, who had
fallen, and was lying insensible among the feet of the people. They
believed him at first dead, and their despair was expressed in the
most affecting manner. It was perceived, however, that he still
breathed, and every assistance was rendered for his recovery in our
power. He slowly revived, and was restored to life, and to the
prayers of his sons, who supported him closely folded in their
arms.--Whilst our hearts were softened by this affecting episode in
our melancholy adventures, we had soon to witness the sad spectacle of
a dark contrast. Two ship-boys and a baker feared not to seek death,
and threw themselves into the sea, after having bid farewell to their
companions in misfortune. Already the minds of our people were
singularly altered; some believed that they saw land, others ships
which were coming to save us; all talked aloud of their fallacious
visions.

We lamented the loss of our unfortunate companions. At this moment we
were far from anticipating the still more terrible scene which took
place on the following night; far from that, we enjoyed a positive
satisfaction so well were we persuaded that the boats would return to
our assistance. The day was fine, and the most perfect tranquility
reigned all the while on our raft. The evening came and no boats
appeared. Despondency began again to seize our men, and then a spirit
of insubordination manifested itself in cries of rage. The voice of
the officers was entirely disregarded. Night fell rapidly in, the sky
was obscured by dark clouds; the wind which, during the whole day, had
blown rather violently, became furious and swelled the sea, which in
an instant became very rough.

The preceding night had been frightful, but this was more so.
Mountains of water covered us at every instant, and burst with fury
into the midst of us. Very fortunately we had the wind from behind,
and the strongest of the sea was a little broken by the rapidity with
which we were driven before it. We were impelled towards the land. The
men, from the violence of the sea, were hurried fr