Thus terminated one of the most remarkable shipwrecks upon record,
remarkable in all its circumstances, when we consider the coincidence
of two ships, each carrying troops, each sailing from a different
quarter of the globe, both bound to the same port, and both thrown
upon the same island, in one night, within half a mile of each other,
and the Runnymede possessing stores and necessaries which the Briton
stood in need of, and without which her company would, in all
probability, have perished: and each having the means of defence
against a race of savages, reputed to be cannibals, and so proverbial
for their ferocity, that they are greatly dreaded by the seamen of the
country ships, by whom they are called Wild Men of the Woods, and who,
but for the fire-arms they had, would have destroyed the whole of the
party.
But a still more remarkable fact is the extreme healthiness, under
numerous hardships and privations, of a company of upwards of six
hundred and thirty individuals, many of them women and children, in a
climate so unhealthy, that, in time past, it was obliged to be
abandoned by those who sought to settle in it. But here, in a sojourn
of 55 days, besides those who died by accidents, only three men, one
woman, and two or three children perished. And this to the great
surprise of those who came to their rescue, and so fully expected to
find disease prevalent, that they took with them a surgeon, a stock of
medicines, and a quantity of comforts for the use of the sick and
convalescent. These favourable circumstances may be attributed, with
propriety, to the almost miraculous interposition of the Almighty, who
vouchsafed to bless in an especial manner the prudence, good
seamanship, and cool intrepidity of the captains and officers of the
ships, and those under their care, whilst at sea: and afterwards, when
on shore, the judgment, skill, and good management of Lieut.-colonel
Bunbury and the military and other officers, as well as the steady
discipline of all who were under their command. These all in their
several stations have done great honour to their country, as well as
much credit to the respective services in which they were employed.
We must also remark upon the very sound state of the hull of the
Runnymede, which had not the slightest leak in her during the whole of
a most appalling tempest. The only water she made was that which came
in from the dashing of the waves.
We may also learn one important lesson from the perseverance of the
crew of the Runnymede. That is, never to abandon any good undertaking
on account of difficulties. Some unlooked-for circumstance may arise
to crown our endeavours with success. The crew of the Runnymede had
lost every thing but hope, when deliverance came to them unexpectedly.
We would conclude with one question to the benevolent and religious;
to those who desire to promote the civilization of the heathen. Can
nothing be done to christianize the ferocious tribes of the Andamans?
Let it be remembered what the New Zealand cannibals and the wild
bushmen of South Africa were before missionaries went amongst them,
compared with what they now are; and then let endeavours be made use
of, in reliance upon heaven's blessing, to bring these poor creatures
out of the lowest state of darkness and degradation into one of
Christianity and happiness.