49 



December 31. (Sunday.) 



We passed the whole of the day in vain en- 

 deavours to work ourselves into the bay. At one 

 time, indeed, we got very near the shore, but the 

 consequence was, that we were within an ace of 

 striking upon a rock, and very much obliged to 

 a sudden gust of wind, which, blowing right off 

 shore, blew us out of the channel, and left us at 

 night in a much more perilous situation than we 

 had occupied the evening before, though even that 

 had been by no means secure. At three o'clock, 

 the other passengers went on shore in the jolly- 

 boat, and proceeded to their destination ; but as I 

 was still more than thirty miles distant from my 

 estate, I preferred j waiting on board till the 

 Captain should have moored his vessel in safety, 

 and be at liberty to take me in his pinnace to 

 Savannah la Mar, when I should find myself 

 within a few miles of my own house. 



In the course of the afternoon, one of the sailors 

 took up a fish of a very singular shape and most 

 brilliant colours, as it floated along upon the water. 

 It seemed to be gasping, and lay with its belly up- 

 wards ; it was supposed to have eaten something 

 poisonous, as whenever it was touched it appeared 

 to be full of life, and squirted the water in our 

 faces with great spirit and dexterity. But no 

 sooner was he suffered to remain quiet in the tub, 

 than he turned upon his back and again was gasp. 



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