selves still clinging fast to the vessel, was to offer up our thanksgivings to Heaven, for having still preserved us alive even in such a deplorable situation, to raise up our suppliant hands in petition to Providence, to complete its miracle, by affording us some unforeseen means of escaping to the shore—there never was sure a more fervent prayer. Heaven at length seemed to look down with compassion on our miseries and danger—the wind began to abate, and the various agitation of the sea to subside to that degree, that the officers conceived it possible for us to reach the shore in the ship’s boat.

The boat was but small, it could not contain above a third part of our number; we could not attempt to embark all at once without sinking it: every one was sensible of the difficulty, but no one would consent to wait for a second passage; the fear of some accident happening to prevent a return, and the terror of lying another night exposed on the hulk, made every one obstinate for being taken in the first—it was however unanimously agreed by all, that my husband and myself should be among the number who should go first into the boat. The sea having now almost become a calm, the boat containing as many as it was thought prudent to take on board, left the wreck, and in less than half an hour, we reached the shore, and were all safely landed; and were soon after joined by the remainder of the ship’s crew, who were as fortunate as our