WRECK OF THE CAEALVA. 357 



and two bales of hay came on shore very opportunely for 

 their sustenance. The ship was wrecked on a Tuesday, 

 and during the week, by dint of great exertion, the officers 

 and the few that remained faithful to them secured and 

 repaired the large cutter, intending to despatch her to the 

 Mauritius for succour. Strange to say, the Beer IsloMders 

 objected to her going, and the manner in which they were 

 persuaded to acquiesce is the only redeeming trait of char- 

 acter these degenerate wretches exhibited durmg their stay 

 of three weeks at Cargados. Mr. Ayres, who appears to 

 have shown great presence of mind and decision, wrote xn 

 pencil a short address or sermon ; and on .Sunday, the men, 

 by common consent, having mustered round the tent ot the 

 officers (composed of spars, and covered ^^ith the company s 

 splendid woollen cloths), he stood up in the cutter tor a 

 pulpit, and read his sermon. This little composition, prob- 

 ably the only one ever written or delivered under similar 

 circumstances, does great credit to the feelings and judgment 

 of Mr \jTes. It had the desired effect, and immediately 

 after the sermon, it was agreed to by all hands that the 

 cutter should be despatched forthwith. Mr. Ayres and the 

 sixth officer were appointed to make the voyage to the 

 Alauritius, which they accomplished in three days, under 

 circumstances of great difficulty and privation. 1 he Magi- 

 cienne frigate went to Cargados, and took on board the re- 

 mains of the Cabalva's crew, many of whom left Beer Island, 

 accordintr to their own confession, with reluctance, as they 

 had plentv of beer still unconsumed, and regretted leaving 

 so much '' good stuflf" behind. , .v at , 



Some ships pass up between Madagascar and the Mau- 

 ritius, others to the eastward of the Mauritius, sightmg (ra- 

 lega or Agelaga, the geographical position of which is not 

 very accurately kno%vn. 



Lit. l^i>i- 



Capt.Briggs,H.M.S.CIorinde,made 560 38*'E. 



it Id „ - ■" cc on 



S^X^Sn^'M'ST^^nX^.e it:wfor^t.ae leagues 

 farther east ihan the position given by Capt. ttine. 

 The adoption of either of these routes will greatly depend 

 upon the winds a ship meets with on the verge of the south- 



