AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
=A Collection=
OF THE
MOST INSTRUCTIVE AND AMUSING
LIVES
EVER PUBLISHED,
WRITTEN BY THE PARTIES THEMSELVES.
WITH BRIEF INTRODUCTIONS, AND COMPENDIOUS SEQUELS CARRYING ON THE COURSE
OF EVENTS TO THE DEATH OF EACH WRITER.
VOLUME V.—ROBERT DRURY.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HUNT AND CLARKE,
TAVISTOCK-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN.
LONDON:
Printed by W. CLOWES,
Stamford-street.
THE
PLEASANT AND SURPRISING
ADVENTURES
OF
ROBERT DRURY,
DURING HIS
FIFTEEN YEARS’ CAPTIVITY
ON THE
ISLAND OF MADAGASCAR.
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
LONDON:—1826.
PRINTED FOR HUNT AND CLARKE,
TAVISTOCK-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN.
LONDON:
Printed by WILLIAM CLOWES,
Stamford-street.
EDITOR’S PREFACE
Among the various attractions of “Autobiography,” that of singular and
extraordinary personal adventure, when faithfully related by the person
to whom it has occurred, is by no means the least alluring. The
shipwreck of Robert Drury, at the age of sixteen, in the Degrave East
Indiaman, on the southern coast of the island of Madagascar, in the year
1702, supplied a remarkable opportunity for one of those accurate
delineations of an isolated and barbarous people, which are at once so
amusing for their novelty, and instructive for the additional lights
which they throw upon the innumerable varieties of human situation and
character. The following volume affords a plain and unsophisticated
account of a fifteen years’ captivity or detention of the author (the
only one spared in consequence of his youth out of many murdered
shipmates) in an island, the interior of which, at that time, was little
known; but which, happily, at present seems likely to enter slowly into
the career of civilization. Obliged to conform to the usages of the
natives, and rendered to all intents and purposes a member of their
community, he necessarily became intimately acquainted with their
manners, customs, and proceedings; which, together with his own
adventures among them, he narrates in that plain and unpretending
manner, which in a writer of his class advances the strongest claims to
confidence. The veracity of Drury is, indeed, corroborated by the
journal, as far as it went, of Mr Bembo, son of the celebrated admiral
of that name, who was first mate of the Degrave, and who, by inducing a
part of the crew to refuse putting that trust in the islanders, which
was unfortunately placed in them by the murdered companions of Drury,
escaped their fate, and was enabled to get back to England. Our brief
sequel will also show that Drury was a steady man, and that he
maintained a very respectable character after his return. To conclude:
his book has been deemed so curious and interesting, not only for the
mention of the facts but the manner of detailing them, that the present
will form the _fourth_ edition; the first appearing in 1729, and the
second and third in 1743 and 1808. Thus much as to its merits; as to the
rest, works of this nature falling directly within the plan of the
proposed series, no apology is necessary for having an early recourse to
one of them in aid of the contrast and variety which is desirable in the
way of support and relief of so comprehensive an undertaking.
PREFACE
TO
_The Edition of Seventeen Hundred and Forty-three_.
As nothing is of a more amiable nature, so nothing makes a stronger and
more lasting impression on the mind, than truth; and whatever regard
some may pay to a wittily-contrived and ingenious tale, the best that
can be said of it is, that it is a gay delusion, and an idle amusement
exposed to view in the fairest and most advantageous light.
The following historical narrative needs no such disguise or ornament to
recommend it; for captain W. Macket, (who, by his certificate, has
assured the public that he believed the account our author has given of
his surprising adventures to be just and true,) was not only a gentleman
of an unblemished character in regard to his honour and veracity, but
well known to be a man of too great a fortune and good sense to
countenance and give a public sanction to a trivial fable, or
imposition. Without doubt this gentleman, as well as the captains of
other ships, informed himself of a case so singular and surprising, for
at Yong-old, where he took the author on board, William Purser, a native
of Feraingher, was their linguist for some months; he spoke English
well, and knew Mr Drury there, and was an eye-witness to many of the
most doubtful adventures here related for several years together.
The captain after this went to Munnongaro, or Masseleege; there he saw
Nicholas Dove, who was one of the boys shipwrecked in the Degrave, and
saved in the massacre in Anterndroea; besides the opportunity he had of
conversing with Mr Drury in their voyage to the West Indies, and after
to England. To this we may add, the second voyage Mr Drury made was also
in captain Macket’s service, though not in the ship under his command,
he being a principal proprietor in captain White’s ship and cargo, as
well as of his own and others. These circumstances were confirmed by the
captain, who added, that he had seen others in his last voyage there, as
well natives who spoke English, and knew Drury, as some who were saved
by flight with captain Drummond and others, with this particular
account, that this very captain Drummond was the man Mr Drury supposes
him to be, and that he was killed at Tullea, seven leagues to the
northward of Augustine-bay, by one Lewes, a Jamaica negro. Besides all
this, and the captain’s continued friendship to him to the last, even
our author himself, though in a lower station of life, was well known to
many persons of probity and worth now in London, who frequently
conversed with him while living, and who always esteemed him an
innocent, inoffensive man, free from all artifice and design. As this
was the character he had amongst his friends and acquaintance, we think
it would be needless, if not impertinent, to doubt of his veracity in
the relation of any one of his adventures, more especially after such
substantial proofs for the truth hereof.
It is probable that the account here given of the religion of the
natives of Madagascar, may by some be thought a mere fiction, and
inserted with no other view than to advance some latitudinarian
principles; but so widely distant is this from the real case, that the
most to be suspected part of the conversation between deaan Murnanzack
and Mr Drury, on divine topics, is real fact as here related; and the
deaan’s ludicrous reflections on Adam’s rib, God’s converse with
mankind, and his creation of the world in six days, and his resting the
seventh, &c. his taking these things for Drury’s childish notions, and
saying they were old women’s stories, were delivered in that prince’s
own words. And if we consider the then circumstances of our author, that
he was but fourteen years of age when he set out on this unfortunate
voyage, his education at a grammar-school, and in the principles of the
established church; and that ever since his arrival in England, and
settlement in London, he has been firmly attached thereto, even to
bigotry; it would be very weak and absurd to suppose him capable, or
inclined to advance an imaginary conference with the deaan upon so
serious a topic, with no other motive than to favour free-thinking, or
natural religion, in opposition to that which was revealed, especially
as they are points about which he scarcely ever concerned himself.
In all those places where religion, or the origin of governments are
casually mentioned, there are interspersed some occasional reflections,
which are not, properly speaking, the author’s, which is all the
artifice made use of throughout the whole. It must be owned that topics
so entertaining could not well be passed over, without making some
proper and useful applications: yet no motive, how tempting soever,
could prevail on the editor to alter any real fact, or add any one
single fiction of his own. Every transaction here related, as likewise
the character and conversation of every person introduced, are properly
Mr Drury’s own.
The religion of the natives of Madagascar, some authors will have to be
Mahometanism; but without any manner of grounds for such a conclusion,
since it has no resemblance of it in any other particulars, than in
circumcision, and abstaining from their women at certain times, which
were common to some eastern nations long before the Jews had it; or,
indeed, where there is no reason to imagine that the name of the Jews
was once so much as heard of.
There are good grounds, on the other hand, to conjecture, that the Jews
derived several of their religious ceremonies from them. For that their
religion is much more ancient, is plain from several reasons. First,
from their regard to dreams, and divining by them, which, by the Mosaic
law, the Israelites were expressly forbidden. Secondly, from their
shaving off their hair in mourning for their dead; whereas among the
Jews the growth of it is strictly commanded, and as superstitiously
observed to this day. Thirdly, from their sacrifices; as Moses commanded
none but males to be sacrificed; so, on the contrary, cows are the
greatest part of the Madagascar sacrifices, and are thought by these
people to be the most acceptable oblations to their Supreme Deity. They
have no burnt offerings but near their sepulchres, when occasionally
opened, which, with the gums burnt with them, serve for a defence
against all ill scents. Fourthly; but the most notable reason of all is,
that the owley, which these Madagascar people make use of for their
divinations, and procure their unusual or extraordinary dreams with, is
manifestly the ephod and teraphim, made use of by the Levite who lodged
in Micah’s house, as we read Judges xvii. and from which the Israelites
could never be wholly brought off, though directly repugnant to the law
of Moses, concerning which there seems to be no occasion for enlarging
farther in this place.
That the people of Madagascar did not derive their religion from any
learned or polite nation, is evident by their retaining no idea or
remembrance of letters; nor their having a horse, or so necessary a
machine as a wheel of any kind, either for carriage or use, which could
never have been forgotten had they ever had them. That these Madagascar
people came first from Africa, seems most probable by their colour; and
perhaps from the Abyssines, or even from Egypt. The Virzimbers, indeed,
by their woolly heads, must come from the more southern part of Africa.
Deaan Toke-offu told captain Macket they had a tradition of their coming
on the island many years ago in large canoes. But from wheresoever they
came, it is manifest that their religion is the most ancient in the
world, and not far from pure natural religion.
We may reflect with pleasure on the devotion of these people, who
address the Supreme Being on every occasion for his aid and assistance
when in necessity or distress; and with true piety and hearts full of
gratitude return him their humble and unfeigned thanks for those
blessings and benefits he confers upon them; yet have they no temples,
no tabernacles, or groves for the public performance of their divine
worship; neither have they solemn fasts, or festivals, or set days, or
times, or priests to do it for them. But we may here observe, that as
Melchizedeck was a king, and styled the priest of the most high God, (a
phrase strictly correspondent to that of deaan Unghorray, the highest
God,) so it is the practice of the Madagascar kings, or lords, to be
themselves the performers of all religious offices. Their umossees or
prophets, indeed, directed the making their owleys of particular roots,
or woods, having, as they tell them, magical properties agreeing to the
spirits; as also that they must be made at proper times.
There are two things in this history highly worthy of observation: one
is, that there is a law among them against cursing a man’s parents. What
a reproach is this to countries called christian, where there is no law
or punishment against even those who have the impudence and impiety not
only of cursing others, but their own parents. The other is, that such
is their regard and reverence to the most high God, that they swear not
profanely: but such is the profaneness of even our christian nation,
that a man can hardly pass the streets (as archbishop Tillotson
observes) without having his ears grated and pierced with horrid and
blasphemous oaths and curses, as are enough, if we were guilty of no
other sin, to sink a nation. These give reputation to the general
character of these people, that where the Europeans or Mahometans have
not corrupted them, they are very innocent, moral, and courteous; and
more so, with shame be it spoken, than most nations, who have all the
advantages of a liberal and christian education.
There is yet one observation more, which, we hope, will not be thought
improper here; which is, that our author’s many deliverances are
glorious and wonderful displays of the goodness and power of Divine
Providence; and gave him, no doubt, an awakening sense of his obstinate
disobedience to the will and entreaties of his tender parents and
friends, who so much and often pressed him to lay aside those wilful
resolutions of his first voyage to the East Indies; wherein we may see
the marks both of divine displeasure and goodness, the first in his
shipwreck and slavery, the other in his delivery or release from thence.
All which may serve as a lesson to the youth of future generations to
beware, lest by their disobedience and obstinate forcing of themselves
from the care of their parents or friends, they bring upon themselves
those miseries and misfortunes which occasion a too late repentance.
Much more might have been said on this occasion, but as we have not
room, we refer our readers to the perusal of the book itself; in which,
we presume, they will not only find an entertaining, but profitable
amusement.
* * * * *
This is to certify, that Robert Drury, fifteen years a slave in
Madagascar, now living in London, was redeemed from thence, and brought
into England, his native country, by myself. I esteem him an honest,
industrious man, of good reputation, and do firmly believe that the
account he gives of his strange and surprising adventures is genuine and
authentic.
WILLIAM MACKETT.
_May 7, 1728._
THE
ADVENTURES
OF
ROBERT DRURY.
As my design in the ensuing narrative, is to give a plain and honest
account of matters of fact, I shall make use of no artful inventions, or
borrowed phrases, to lengthen or embellish it; nor shall I introduce any
other reflections, than what were the natural result of my many uncommon
and surprising adventures. And,
Here, I hope, it will be no ways improper to inform my readers, that I
was not fourteen years of age when these heavy misfortunes first befell
me; so that my youth, as well as want of knowledge in the Madagascar
language, rendered me incapable of making such curious observations, as
one of a riper age, better judgment, and freed from slavery, might have
done to much greater advantage. For,
I, Robert Drury, was born on the 24th of July, in the year 1687, in
Crutched-friars, London, where my father then lived; but soon after he
removed to the Old Jury, near Cheapside, where he kept for several years
afterwards that noted house, called the King’s-head, or otherwise
distinguished by the name of the Beef-steak-house; and to which there
was, all his time, a great resort of merchants, and other gentlemen of
the best rank and character.
Notwithstanding the education my father bestowed on me, I could not be
prevailed on to think of any business but going to sea, to which course
of life my genius wholly inclined me. And I well remember, that from
eleven years of age, my mind was so intent on the profession of a
sailor, that it grew up with me, and at length became such an obstinate
resolution, that not all the entreaties of my dear and indulgent mother,
(though she once begged me on her knees,) nor the persuasions of my
father, or any other friends, could make the least impression upon me.
When they found their endeavours were ineffectual, they then formed a
new scheme, and by a seeming compliance with my inclination, proposed to
procure a short voyage for me, hoping that the many dangers and
hardships to which I should naturally be exposed, and should see others
undergo, would deter me from persevering in that course of life.
But, as wilful persons never want woe, such was my obstinacy, that
nothing would content me, but what contributed to my ruin; and
Providence justly frustrated all my hopes, by indulging me in the choice
I had so foolishly and ungratefully made, in direct opposition to my
duty, and the repeated solicitations of my most affectionate friends:
thus did this perverseness of mine bring with it its own punishment.
Nothing but an East India voyage would please me; for no other reason
that I can think of, but because I had a cousin at Bengal, whose name
was John Steel, in the New East India Company’s service; the companies
at that time not being united.
My father showed a due care and concern for my welfare, by the manner in
which he fitted me out; and by plentifully supplying me with provisions,
clothes, and other necessaries for the voyage; besides which, I had a
cargo to the value of a hundred pounds, which was a large trust for a
boy of my age. I went as a passenger, well recommended to captain
William Younge, with whom my passage and the freight of my cargo were
agreed for, and we soon after embarked.
The ship captain Younge commanded in this unfortunate voyage, was the
Degrave, of seven hundred tons burthen, with fifty-two guns. I shall not
here enter into a long detail of any of the common occurrences of the
voyage, or take notice of any other accidents, than what are absolutely
necessary to my present purpose; which is a true and impartial narrative
of our hard fate at Madagascar in our return homeward; together with my
own miseries, and the various turns of fortune, during my residence for
near fifteen years, in that scarce known, though extensive country.
We passed through the Downs on February 19, 1701, when admiral Bembo,
(whose son, Mr John Bembo, was fourth mate of our ship,) lay there with
the squadron of ships under his command, bound to the West Indies, and
we arrived at Fort St. George in the East Indies, in three months and
twenty days from the Downs, having stopped in our passage one week at
the Canaries, and came to an anchor in the evening.
We had on board Monsieur Lapie, a jeweller, and his son, who set out
with design to settle there; and one would have thought, being so near
the end of his voyage, he had great reason to hope, or rather to be
morally assured, that he had obtained his desire; the ship being safe at
anchor within half a dozen miles, and in sight of the place. But how
soon does Providence disappoint us, and interrupt our designs! What an
adverse fate directed, and accompanied this unhappy ship, and all who
were concerned in it, though so near the accomplishment of their wishes!
The barge was hoisted out the next morning, in order to put these
unfortunate persons on shore; the ship riding about two leagues
distance. They put off, and we did not expect their return till the next
day; but about eight o’clock at night we heard somebody hail the ship;
it surprised our people, but some of them soon knew it to be the voice
of Joseph Chamberlain, one of the barge’s crew. They thereupon hoisted
out the pinnace, and rowing towards the voice, found him swimming on an
oar; he told us, that as soon as they came to the bar, a great sea
struck them on the larboard gunnel, and overset them; he knew not what
became of the rest of the company, and therefore supposed they were all
drowned, for the current set to seaward; but he being an experienced
swimmer, and with the help of one of the boat’s oars, which he
providentially found, he made shift to reach within call of the ship. We
immediately hung a light on the top-mast head to guide others, if
happily any had been like him alive swimming; but not one of them was
ever seen, or heard of more. Mr John Lapie, his son, and their cook, the
cockswain, and nine of the boat’s crew, all perished through this sad
disaster. They had also with them very considerable effects in goods,
silver, &c. to the value of some thousands of pounds.
Two days after we weighed anchor, and sailed to Maslapatan, where we
stayed a month, and from thence proceeded to Bengal. My cousin hearing
of my arrival, came on board to see me, and take me and my effects on
shore with him; but my father had a more prudent regard for my welfare,
than I could be capable of at those tender years; my cousin being only a
pilot, my father desired captain Younge privately to inquire into his
circumstances, and the character he bore, and in case he found him not
of sufficient ability, or honesty, to be intrusted with me, and my
effects, not to let me go on shore to him.
The captain performed the trust my father reposed in him with honour and
integrity, and would not permit me to go with my kinsman, but took my
cargo, disposed of it himself, and bought me a just return in the
commodities of the country, and would have carried me back again
according to his contract with my father, had Providence so thought fit.
My cousin soon after our arrival, died, and we had a great mortality
among our ship’s crew; for in nine months’ time, we buried above forty
of our people. The chief mate was the first of note, and about a month
after him, captain Younge himself died of a fever; happy at least in
this, that he died in peace, and lived not to bear his share in the
miseries which his son and we afterwards underwent; for this son being
second mate, and the chief mate being already dead, as also the captain
his father, he became captain of course, so that there was still a
captain Younge.
The only art I attained at Bengal, and which proved of any considerable
service to me afterwards, was, that I here learnt to swim, which has two
or three times since saved my life and liberty. I attained to so great a
proficiency in that art, by the assistance of my companions, that it was
a common practice for half a dozen of us to tie a rupee apiece (which is
about the value of two shillings and sixpence English,) in a
handkerchief round our middles, and swim four or five miles up or down
the river for our diversion; and when we came on shore, the Gentees, or
Moors, would lend us clothes to put on while we stayed; thus we used to
sit and regale ourselves for a few hours with arrack punch, and a
dinner, and then swim back again.
Our business being at length finished at Bengal, we sailed from thence,
and had at that time about one hundred and twenty hands on board,
besides two women and myself, and a few other passengers. As we were
going down the river, our ship ran aground and stuck fast; but there
being a very strong tide, it turned her round, and we got off the next
high water without any damage, as we imagined; but when we came out to
sea, she proved so very leaky, that we were obliged to keep two
chain-pumps continually at work. We were two months in this sad
condition; at length we reached Mauritius, which is an island in the
latitude of 16½° south, and to the eastward of Madagascar, inhabited by
the Dutch, who treated us with abundance of humanity, and assisted us
with whatever was in their power. We made a tent on shore, in which we
stowed great part of our cargo to search for the leak—but to no purpose.
Captain Boon, a pirate, had been here about two months before, having
just then plundered a very rich Moorish ship, and taken out of her fifty
Lascars. (For that is the name by which our English seamen distinguish
these Moorish people.) Boon lost his own ship on this island, and the
pirates were glad to make a small sloop of their long-boat to get off
the island with, and were therefore glad to leave the Lascars behind
them. These people we took with us, thinking they would be of service,
and save our hands from returning so often to the pump; they having for
two months before but little rest.
We found here plenty of good fish, turtle, and goats, with some beef; we
stayed about a month, and then shaped our course directly for the Cape
of Good Hope.
Our leak gained upon us more and more, and it was with great difficulty
we kept her above water. Our men were all spent with continual labour,
pumping and bailing night and day; when according to our reckoning we
were one hundred leagues to the southward of Madagascar. We heaved
overboard several of our guns and heavy goods to lighten her. The
captain was for continuing his course to the Cape, but the ship’s
company in general opposed it; being of opinion that they could not keep
her above water long enough, imagining they were at that time about six
hundred leagues from it, and but one hundred from Madagascar, which was
the nearest land.
At length they prevailed on the captain, though with much difficulty, to
put back to Madagascar. The wind favouring us, the third day in the
morning they sent me and the captain’s boy up to the mast-head to look
out for land, since nobody else could so well be spared. In such
apparent danger, my being a passenger was no excuse; and, accordingly, I
went up and sat there two hours and a half before I could discern any
thing like land; and when I first saw it I told my comrade, but not
being certain, I would not call out, for the case was of such
importance, that they were not to be trifled with, or flattered into
vain hopes. However, at length, I plainly discovered a white cliff and a
smoke at a distance from it, whereupon I boldly cried out land! land!
Several immediately ran up the shrouds, and even the captain himself to
make his observations. One among them knew the land, and said it was
Port Dauphine; and that the king of that part of the island was an enemy
to all white men, and treated all the Europeans in a most barbarous
manner. The reason whereof, and a succinct history of king Samuel, (for
that was his name,) I shall have occasion to mention hereafter. This
information put us into the utmost confusion and despair, and proved,
indeed, our utter ruin. The man who made this report, spoke his real
sentiments; for they were, indeed, enemies to the French, and had
murdered all they could find on the island, in revenge for an affront
some of that country had formerly given to king Samuel, but to no other
white men; so that had we put in there, we had at least saved our lives,
and some of our cargo; but our fate was fixed, and we were destined to
be destroyed in the most tragical manner, and all our endeavours to save
our lives served only to prolong our misery.
We durst not put into Port Dauphine, for fear of falling immediately
into the hands of these revengeful and bloody murderers, as we then
concluded them to be. We could not get to the northward, the wind being
north-east; neither was there any harbour or port to the westward, but
what was a week’s sail, at least, to it! Besides the western shore is
very steep.
Hereupon the captain resolved to steer along the western coast, and see
if he could find a proper place to run her into, or put ashore with
safety of our lives. At length we drew near the shore, but no place
could be found; and our hold being now half full of water, the men went
to the captain and asked him what he proposed to do, for the ship could
swim no longer. He went into the round-house for a few minutes, and when
he came out, he asked them if they approved of his running the ship on
shore at all adventures; to which they all unanimously agreed, and cried
out, “Any thing to save our lives.” Now here was a sand which ran along
for two leagues; we came within a quarter of a mile of the shore, and
let go an anchor first without the breakers, and then cut down our masts
and rigging, and threw our guns and heaviest goods overboard, and tried
all means to keep her up till we could get on shore. Having lost our
long-boat and pinnace at Bengal, we had but one small boat left, for
which reason we made a raft with some planks and yards.
At that time some of the natives were fishing, who, seeing us in
distress, made a smoke to guide and invite us to shore; but we had
entertained such a bad idea of them, that we could not tell presently
how to determine, though we were informed these were another prince’s
dominions.
We finished the raft that night, and in the morning sent Mr Pratt, our
chief mate, and four men in the boat with a long rope for a warp, to
fasten on the land. A great sea constantly runs here upon the rocks, and
before they got to land their boat was staved in pieces; however, being
pretty near it, by the help of some of the natives, who were negroes,
they saved that part of the boat to which the rope was fastened. We had
two English women on board, one of them would not venture on the raft,
nor would the captain, but the other woman, and about forty or fifty of
us did. I stript off all my clothes, but took two purses of money and a
silver cup, and tied them fast round my middle; we hauled by the rope
towards the shore, but were no sooner among the breakers, than the first
sea turned the raft topsy turvy, and washed us off; some swam to the
raft again, but were soon washed off, and though the woman was drowning
just by me, yet I could not save her. I sunk under every wave, and with
great difficulty got on shore, as did every one else that were on the
raft, but the woman. There was such a surf ran, and the sea broke so
high, that we durst not venture out with the raft again; which the
captain perceiving, ordered the cable to be cut, and let the ship drive
nearer the land, where she soon beat to pieces. The captain got on shore
with his father’s heart in his hand, which, according to his request,
when dying, was put into a bottle in order to be brought to England, and
buried at Dover.
At length they all got on shore on pieces of the ship, planks, &c. two
men only excepted, who were drowned, and the woman before-mentioned. The
other woman escaped, though she was so full of water as well as some
others, that we were obliged to roll and rub them well, to make them
disgorge the water; we laid them also before a great fire made for that
purpose, and in a little time they revived. We were, in all, above one
hundred and sixty, including the Lascars.
The country began now to be alarmed, and we had already two or three
hundred negroes flocking round us, picking up several pieces of silk and
fine calicoes; the muslin they had little or no regard for. Our goods
were driven ashore in whole bales, for what with saltpetre and other
things, we reckoned there might be three hundred tons left, after all
that was thrown overboard at sundry times before.
One of the negroes brought an ox to us, and intimated, by signs, that we
should kill him; but we made signs to them again to shoot him for us, we
having no ammunition; when one of them perceived this, he lent us his
gun ready charged, and with it one of our men shot the bullock dead on
the spot.
It was extremely shocking to see the negroes cut the beast, skin, and
flesh together, and sometimes the guts too, then toss them into the
fire, or ashes, as it happened, and eat them half roasted. I shuddered
for fear they should devour us in like manner, for they seemed to me to
be a kind of cannibals, of whom I had heard very dreadful stories. Every
thing, in short, appeared horrible to nature, and excited in us the most
dismal apprehensions.
If I here discovered some greater concern than became a man, I hope my
tender years, my little knowledge, and less experience, will plead in my
behalf. This tragical scene made such a deep impression on me, that as
often as it occurs to my mind, I start, and am shocked with the
frightful remembrance. If my observations are not so many, or so just
and judicious as they should be, they must be considered as the
reflections of a youth, and not of a man; for as I grew in years, it
will appear I increased in knowledge and courage, was capable of making
more solid remarks, and also of engaging in more bold and hazardous
adventures.
While the negroes were busy in opening our bales and taking what they
liked best, I observed several of them regarded the iron they found,
much more than all those goods we looked upon as valuable, and took a
great deal of pains to break all such pieces of timber as had iron in
them. I broke open my chest and took out only one suit of clothes,
leaving the rest to those who had most mind to them.
We remained thus two days and nights without coming to any final
resolution, not knowing what to do. We were told Port Dauphine was but
sixty miles from us, but the idea we had entertained of their being such
a barbarous people, prevented our going thither; but this debate was
soon put an end to by the deaan (or as our English sailors call him
king) of that part of the country.
For the next evening about nine o’clock, we heard a man call out
“Halloo,” at a great distance, like an Englishman, as he proved to be,
who, being immediately answered, came nearer, and asked who we were. We
told him the crew of an English East India ship, which proved so leaky,
that we were obliged to run her in here, as the first land we could make
for the preservation of our lives. Hereupon he came to us, and at our
request sat down with us by our fire, and told the captain that the king
had sent him to inform us we had no reason to be under any fearful
apprehensions, though we were in a strange country, and that he would
come down himself the next day to pay us a visit. The captain desired
him to give us what account he could of the country and the natives, and
also to inform us how he came there. We all crowded about him, not so
much out of a spirit of curiosity as to be able, by his relation, to
form a better judgment of our happy or unhappy situation. The
circumstances of his story were so very remarkable, and of so great
importance to us, that I dare say I can repeat them almost in his own
words, which were as follows:—
“I am an Englishman, born in the county of Middlesex; my parents, and
every body who should have taken care of me, being dead, I went to sea
very young. My first voyage was to the West Indies, but as I found
little or no encouragement there, I resolved to take a trip to the East
Indies, and in my passage thither, our ship was taken by a pirate about
a hundred leagues to the eastward of this island; they plundered her of
all her rigging, ammunition, and provisions; they took me and nine more
out of her, and then left the ship. During the time I was with them,
they took several rich prizes, and since there was no possibility of
avoiding it, I seemingly approved of all they did, and made one amongst
them. Whenever we wanted refreshments, we resorted to this island, where
we seldom failed of a supply. However, I soon grew weary of these
piratical proceedings, and being at anchor in Mattatan Road, where the
canoes came off as usual to sell us rice, plantains, milk, and honey,
&c., for our boat could not go ashore, such a great sea breaking upon
the strand; I took this favourable opportunity to feign myself very sick
and weak, and accordingly sent word to the captain, (whose name I must
not divulge, being sworn to the contrary,) of my ill state of health;
and thereupon, I entreated him to let me go on shore, in hope the land
air might refresh me, to which request he readily consented. I dressed
myself, and took with me as much gold and other valuable things as I
could possibly put into my pockets; but intrusted no one with my secret
resolution, since there was not a man on board who showed the least
inclination to leave their dangerous and villainous engagements. I
stepped into the canoe with all the satisfaction imaginable, thinking
myself much more happy in this country, barbarous and savage as it is,
than with my former wicked companions. The captain, indeed, sent a canoe
for me, but as I sent word that I was not capable of going to sea any
more, he never sent again.”
After I had been here about three months, captain Drummond, a Scotchman,
came in a merchant ship, to trade about the island; but in less than
three days after his arrival, a pirate took him as he rode at anchor:
however, he gave captain Drummond his own long-boat, and a few
necessaries. One captain Steward being with captain Drummond, the pirate
permitted him and three or four more hands to go ashore; and as the sea,
at that time, was very calm, they all landed very safe. Here was at the
same time another Englishman and his wife, who came from Sancta Maria,
who were companions for me. When we saw the long-boat come on shore, and
the ship sail away, we guessed how the case stood, and went to meet
them, and gave them a friendly invitation to our cottages, which were a
mile from the seaside. My companion and his wife were, I own, better
provided to entertain them than myself. However, as we could all speak
enough of the country language to deal with the natives for what we
wanted, we were very serviceable to our new comers.
Captain Drummond being very much dejected at the loss of his ship, and
his melancholy situation, resolved, if possible, to get to St
Augustine’s Bay, which is a place where ships frequently come to get
water and fresh provisions. He asked us if we were willing to go with
him, to which proposition we readily assented. In a week’s time we had
got provisions enough, such as beef, rice, water, and fuel; and got our
long-boat in good repair. We were nine in all with my companion’s wife,
and a negro.
For three or four days we sailed along the shore, and got to the
southward of Port Dauphine, but at last the wind shifted, and blowed so
hard we could sail no longer; so that in short, we drove on shore within
three or four leagues of the place where we are at present. We saved all
our lives, with our money, guns, powder, shot, &c. but the long-boat was
staved in pieces.
The natives, who lived near the sea, perceiving our distressed
condition, came down to succour us, and carried us up to their town; for
they found we had a smattering of their language; and as we had a negro
with us they were no way afraid, though they never saw any white men
before: nay, they were so civil, that we wanted for nothing with which
they could assist us. However, they soon sent up into the country to
inform their deaan, or king, of our arrival; who sent his son, and a
commanding officer with fifty men to bring us up before him. Though they
were all armed with guns and lances, yet we refused to go with them, and
were as resolute as we durst be in opposing them: but they soon made
themselves masters of our ammunition.
Captain Drummond was for defending ourselves to the last extremity, and
not to deliver up our arms; but being fully persuaded, that it was
impossible to get off from them by force, on account of their number, I
advised him to comply; and see if we could not obtain our desires by
softer measures. We told them we desired to go to Port Dauphine, (St
Augustine’s Bay being too far for us to travel by land,) but in short,
we could not prevail; for they obliged us to go with them.
We made it three days’ journey to the place of their king’s residence:
when we came there, and were carried before him, he was drinking toake,
(which is made of honey and water like mead;) his sons and generals were
with him, and all perfectly merry. He asked captain Drummond to drink,
but the captain, pretending to be sick, refused it. I was their
interpreter; the king bid me tell him, he should want for nothing the
country afforded. The captain desired I would return for answer, that as
he wanted to be in his own country, he begged he might be permitted to
go where we might get shipping.
On this the king, with a stern aspect, replied, let the captain be
informed, if he does not know when he is well used, I do; there are
several kings on this island, who have white men among them, and why
shall not I? Since our gods have been so good as to send you here, you
shall never go with my consent, as long as I govern here.
Upon this, captain Drummond’s colour rose, and looking sternly at the
king, let him know (said he to me) that had I suspected this beforehand,
he should never have seen my face alive; I would have sent some of their
black souls to hell. It is not their gods but fortune that has put me
into his power, and the same fortune may again deliver me out of it.
Hereupon he got up without taking his leave, and went to our cottage. I
stayed long enough to tell the king what he had said, and without
waiting for an answer, got up, and followed the captain.
The king seeing captain Drummond go away in a passion, in order to
appease him, sent one of his generals with an ox for us to kill; and
desired the captain to make himself easy, since both he and his friends
should be well provided for; if we could eat an ox every day we should
be welcome to it. The captain sent my companion’s wife, whose name was
Deude, with a compliment to the king, and to return him thanks for the
care he took to provide so plentifully for our support; but withal to
tell him, we did not think life worth preserving without the freedom of
enjoying it; and if we were not permitted to go home to our native
country, no indulgence whatsoever could make us easy.
In this state we continued about a fortnight, before we made any attempt
to escape; but at last, considering we were about five days’ journey
from Port Dauphine, we agreed to go thither; to steal away by night, and
get what provision we thought proper: as to ammunition, or arms, we had
none, nor could we get any: except that my companion had two pocket
pistols, which the natives had not discovered when they plundered us;
and the country being woody, we thought we should be able to conceal
ourselves well enough.
According to this resolution, on a moonlight night, we got out of the
town undiscovered; and were soon among the thickets. By daylight,
however, they missed us; and the news being carried to the king, he
ordered us to be pursued. They soon tracked us, for our shoes
distinguished our footing, and came up with us before night; but as they
knew we had nothing to defend ourselves, they did not offer any violence
to us; but only told us we must go back with them to their king. Captain
Drummond peremptorily declared, that we would not go back. When they saw
our resolution, and that fair words were ineffectual, they then took
hold of us. My companion, not having his hands secured, took out his
pistols, and wounded one of them. They seemed enraged at this action,
however they did nothing more than bind us, till they had made a strict
search for more pistols; but finding no more, they marched back with us
to their king. As soon as he saw us, he looked upon us with a frowning
and menacing aspect, and having but one eye and thin jaws, his
countenance seemed still more terrible. He bid me tell the captain and
all of them, that if ever we offered to run away again, he would make us
dearly repent it. As to the man who was wounded, though we were
apprehensive of being called to account for it, neither he nor any one
else said any thing about the matter.
This was about two months ago; since that time nothing remarkable has
happened, till yesterday news came of your being cast away; and the king
immediately ordered me down with the message I have delivered to you
from him. My friends are guarded for fear they should make their escape,
and come to you; as for my own part, I endeavour to sooth him and tell
him I will remain with him as long as I live; and he puts some
confidence in me. This, sir, is a short, but true narrative of the
miseries and misfortunes we are under; and which, I am afraid, will be
more now our numbers are increased.
Sam having made an end of his story, to which every body listened with
the utmost attention, we parted and went with heavy hearts to our
respective quarters, which were under the bushes. It was very late, and
we endeavoured to repose ourselves as well as we could; the pieces of
muslin served us to spread on the ground for beds; but as for my own
part, I could not close my eyes to rest. I now began to reflect on my
former obstinacy and perverseness; the thought of my tender mother’s
begging me on her knees not to go to sea, gave me the most distracting
torture. I could now see my error and repent; but who could I blame but
myself? Here were many poor men, who had no other way to live; but I was
reduced to no such necessity: I ran headlong into misery, and severely
felt the effects of it. Tears I shed in plenty; but could not with any
justice, complain of fate or Providence; for my punishment was but the
natural result of my own ill conduct.
We were all up by daylight, and most of my fellow-sufferers got as
little rest as I; for the man’s relation had made us give over all hopes
of relief, and nothing but sorrow, distress, and despair appeared in all
its dismal forms in each man’s face, according to his different
constitution. We could save neither arms nor ammunition, the want of
which completed our ruin; for near one hundred and seventy of us would
have made our way through that part of the country we wanted to travel,
had we but wherewithal to defend ourselves; but fate had ordained it
otherwise, which was in all respects as bad as bad could be. So that we
had only our lives left us, for no other purpose than to be conscious of
pain, misery, and perpetual slavery; which was no more than we could
reasonably expect.
About one o’clock in the afternoon, the king came down with about two
hundred negroes. They brought no fire-arms with them, lest we should
seize them by force; but they were armed with lances. As soon as we saw
them approaching us, we all stood together in a body, with our captain
at the head of us. When they drew near, he called Sam, which was the
man’s name he sent to us, and asked him, who was our captain? As soon as
he was informed, he came up to him and took him by the hand, and said in
a familiar manner, “salamonger, captain;” which is a term of salutation,
much like our saying “your servant, sir.” The captain returned the
compliment; Sam having informed him before in what manner he should
behave himself to the king. His majesty brought with him four large
bullocks, six calabashes of toake, ten baskets of potatoes, and ten pots
of honey; all which he presented to our captain, and gave us moreover
two or three earthen pots to dress our victuals in: we immediately
roasted the potatoes. He stayed two hours with us, before he withdrew to
the cottage, where he proposed to lodge that night; and asked several
questions about our ship, and the manner of her being lost. He told the
captain he was heartily sorry for his misfortunes, though in my opinion
that was nothing but a compliment; for as I found afterwards, he was
more brutish and dishonest, than most of the other kings on the island;
and his whole nation was clothed for many years out of the effects they
saved from our wreck. At this time he took no notice to our captain of
carrying us up to his own residence.
The next morning he paid us another visit, and then he told us that he
expected we should prepare to go along with him to his town; and there
we should want for nothing the country could afford us. Captain Younge
ordered the interpreter to acquaint the king, that he returned him a
thousand thanks for the civilities he had already received; and that he
was not only unable to make him satisfaction, but very unwilling to put
him to further trouble, and charge of maintaining so great a number of
people. The king replied, that if we were as many more he should not
think us either a burthen or a charge; since he should look upon it as
an honour to have so many white men in his dominions.