stand out to sea. Having ascertained that
the Spanish murderers were gone, the miserable remnant of the brig's
crew ventured from their hiding-places, almost exhausted with hunger,
thirst, and terror. The main land was in possession of the Patriot, or
Buenos Ayrean troops, but was more than two miles distant; and they
consequently had no alternative but to swim to it; which they
accordingly attempted, being extremely apprehensive that the Spaniards
would return. The passage across the straits was long and tedious; and
their hopes of ultimate success for a long time doubtful. When about
half way across, one of their number declared that he was too much
exhausted to go any farther, and after a few words of encouragement from
his companions, suddenly exclaimed, "good bye," and sunk for ever. The
rest, five in number, succeeded in reaching the shore, just at sunset.

After wandering about a mile, they came to a sort of farm-house, the
mistress of which was employed baking bread. Delirious with hunger,
three of them tore the half-baked bread from the oven, and devoured
large quantities of it. They all died in horrible agonies before
day-break. The other two, more prudent, or having arrived at that point
of starvation, at which pain had ceased, ate nothing but such light food
as was provided for them by the humane Buenos Ayreans. In a few days
they were quite recovered from the effects of such prolonged hunger, and
made the best of their way towards the city of Buenos Ayres. Here Old
Cuff found several Republican officers, by whose influence he obtained a
commission as lieutenant of artillery. But, not altogether liking the
land service in the first place, and having moreover ascertained that
the Republic of Buenos Ayres, like that of the United States of America,
was not willing to vouchsafe any thing but hard knocks, and no pay, to
those who stood by her and supported her, in her fierce struggle for
independence, he very deliberately disrobed himself of his regimentals,
laid aside his epaulets, tore up his commission, and returned in a
merchantman to his native country. Not long after his return, he entered
in the United States service, and it was then, that I first saw him. He
was made captain of the main-top before sailing, and I was, myself,
shortly after, stationed in the main-top likewise.

On the passage out to the Pacific, and when nearly in the latitude of
Cape Horn, we, that is to say, a midshipman, Old Cuff, and