1840.J Wreck of the Transport '' Indian Oak.'' 921 



the outside, all hands got under the poop, with the ship on her beam 

 ends and deck nearly perpendicular. 



As the tide came in, the sea gradually hove the vessel higher on the 

 reef until she lodged on a small ledge of rocks. Our rudder was torn 

 off with part of the counter shortly after striking, through which the sea 

 rushed into the poop and lower cabins. Each sea that struck the vessel. 

 Shook her very frame. Closely huddled together under the poop, were 

 the commander, officers, passengers, and crew, drenched by every sea, 

 and shivering with cold, most of us having thrown off all clothes, 

 as it was likely to impede swimming. We remained in this state until 

 about i past 11 p.m., when the tide having receded, and the weather 

 considerably moderated, we found ourselves much nearer the shore, and 

 comparatively smooth under the lee. Sounded on the lee side, and found 

 only from five to six feet water ; immediately piped all hands on shore, 

 the mizen mast, yards, and gaff forming a raft. All hands got on shore, 

 including the sick, in safety, with exception of a few cuts and bruises 

 from the rocks. All the crew and passengers having got on shore, 

 myself, the commander and officers followed, and after walking about 

 a mile over a rocky ledge, towards some lights at high water mark, 

 were met by a party of the Islanders, and greeted with kind hospitality, 

 hot tea and rice being served out to every man. Nothing can show 

 their hospitality in a stronger light than the following : — I had nothing 

 on but a shirt and drawers, drenched to the skin ; one of the prin- 

 cipal men noticing my situation, took off his outer jacket or coat, 

 and insisted on my putting it on. After resting on the beach a short 

 time, we were conducted to a comfortable dwelling, or court house, 

 where dry clothing was given to all who stood in need, and we were again 

 regaled with warm tea, rice, eggs, and fowls. Words are not adequate 

 to express the kindness, attention, and hospitality we have received 

 from the first moment of landing to the present time, from these 

 kind and good people ; their honesty is beyond praise, — articles of 

 silver, gold, and wearing apparel strewed in every direction to dry, 

 but not an article touched. 



Most of our wearing apparel has been saved, but all more or less 

 damaged from being drenched for several days in the sea. Several 

 dozens of the Commander's wine and beer have also been saved, 

 but I regret to say little of the ship's provisions. We are entirely 



