fate
of the unfortunate "Zel". Their young commanders were ready to go
anywhere in them, but it seemed very unlikely, should they make the
attempt, that they would ever reach Canton, to which we were soon about
to return. They were condemned therefore to be destroyed. They were
beautiful looking craft, but were too likely to prove what the ten-gun
brigs of those days often did--coffins for their living crews.
Accordingly, all their stores being taken out of them, their crews set
them on fire and returned to the frigates. I remember well seeing them
blaze away and at length blow up, at which I clapped my hands, having
some idea that they were fireworks let off expressly for my amusement.
The frigates' damages being now repaired, a course was steered for the
north. Being greatly in want of water, we put into another harbour on
the coast where it was known that no Spanish settlement existed. The
watering parties from our frigates proceeded to the shore, making six
boats in all, the men being well armed. They ought properly to have
remained for each other, but our boats came off first, leaving the
"Zephyr's" to follow. Casks were being hoisted up, when the officers,
through their glasses, perceived several men running down to the beach,
making signals that an enemy was coming. Instantly all the remaining
boats were manned, and away they pulled to the support of those on
shore, led by the two Captains. There was no time to be lost, for as
they approached the shore they saw our men defending themselves against
a vast number of enemies. The natives, as the boats approached, took to
flight, but it was evident that the number of our people was greatly
diminished. The officer commanding the watering party was alive, though
he had with difficulty escaped from the enemy, but two poor fellows lay
dead upon the beach, and a third was desperately wounded, and was
evidently dying. No less than nine had been carried off as prisoners.
Our pilot, Mr Noalles, having accompanied the party, now proceeded with
Captain Masterman and a very strong body in search of the natives.
These, however, had fled at their approach. At length our party came
upon a hut, in which a man was found who appeared by his dress and air
to be of some consequence. He was lame from a wound, and had been
unable to make his escape. Mr Noalles explained to him that we were in
search of our men, and demanded their instant release. He was told that
unless