I know not whether I replied in English, or the language of the
natives. While we were sitting together, the old man whom I had always
called master, but who was now willing to be considered my servant,
asked me if the white people were going to kill him. The Lieutenant
inquired of me to know the purport of the old man's question; I told
him he was afraid of being killed. The Lieutenant replied that he
should not be hurt, if he behaved himself properly.
We then walked round the Island, and I collected what few things I
had, a musket, &c. and made preparations for our departure. My old
master being unwilling to part with me, asked permission to go with
me. I spoke to the Lieutenant on the subject, and he readily
consented. We then set sail, accompanied by my master and his son. We
soon fell in with the 2d Lieutenant, in another boat, who informed
that all the survivors of the Globe's crew were now rescued. The boats
soon lost sight of each other, as night came on, and that in which I
was arrived at the Island about 9 o'clock in the evening. We landed,
cooked supper, and anchored our boat at a little distance from the
shore for the night.
The next morning, (30th,) we got under weigh, accompanied by the other
boat, beat to the windward, for the outside passage, and then ran down
to the schooner, and got along side at 9 o'clock. I will leave it for
the reader, to picture my feelings on entering once more on board of
an American vessel, after having been among unmerciful savages 22
months. We soon had some breakfast, after which my hair was cut, which
was of two year's growth, and I was furnished with clothing, and
remained on board till the next day.
From this date to the time of our arrival in the United States, all
the important incidents and facts which transpired, will be found in
the preceding pages, arranged from the journal kept by Lay.
After expressing my thanks to all who assisted to rescue us from
savage bondage, and my gratitude to Heaven for a safe return to my
friends and native land, I bid the reader a respectful farewell.
A VOCABULARY
_Of Words and Phrases, used by the natives of the Mulgrave Islands,
with their definitions and so spelt and divided in syllables as to
give the Reader a very clear understanding of the pronunciation._
Beard Cor y ack
Iron Maale
A sail Wood je lah
An oar
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