Mcnaics' Journal. 



Nootka. 



109 



the imminent danger to which his own life was exposed, he 

 instantly flew to rescue his Comrade with that stern intre- 

 pidity characteristic of true bravery, which made the Indians 

 though very numerous shrink back from their intended pur- 

 pose & though unarmed he kept them for some time at bay, 

 & made his Comrade run before him with the idea of afford- 

 ing him all the protection in his power, in this manner they 

 had nearly rcachd the Boat, when they perceivd the Natives 

 forming a strong group on the Beach to cut off their retreat. 

 This Franklin proposed to / cut through, having first encour- 

 agd his companion to follow his example & keep close to 

 him, he rushd boldly on & succeeded, but his Comrade fell, 

 as also did three or four of the Indians by the blows which 

 this resolute & honest fellow was obligd to bestow in his own 

 defence. As soon as he gaind the Boat the Indians instantly 

 retird & left the Beach clear. — His own safety was out of the 

 question, to rescue his Officers who were then at the mercy 

 of the Natives occupied this honest Tars whole attention, 

 for this purpose he instantly snatchd up one of the Muskets 

 & desird any one of the Boats Crew to follow him with the 

 other; such an example of fortitude would make the most 

 despicable Coward brave — they all offerd to accompany him 

 but Franklin suggested the necessity of four remaining with 

 the two Musketoons to guard the Boat & secure their retreat 

 in case they succeeded in rescuing the Officers. This was 

 agreed to, & Franklin with another man armed with the two 

 Muskets proceeded to the place where he last saw the Portu- 

 guese & where they found him dead stripped naked & 

 stabbed in the breast with his head much bruised — They 

 aftervt^ards went to an eminence where at a considerable 

 distance they perceivd Mr. Hergist & Mr. Gooch surrounded 

 by a large group of the Natives walking towards some 

 Huts-T-They haild them to return to the Boat ; but they 

 either did not hear, or hearing, had not the power of return- 

 ing, for after they enterd among / the Huts they were 

 seen no more. — It was then about sun set & the two Men 

 durst not proceed further with such weak force. — They 

 waited some time & finding no hopes of the Gentlemens 

 returning to the Boat, they thought it most prudent to go 

 on board with the melancholy tidings to procure more 

 assistance. 



1792. 

 Aug. 28tta. 



