214 . STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



schooner, which was at that time lying aground at the point 

 of Walkenaam island, at the mouth of the Essequebo river, 

 where the circumstance happened, perceived my situation, 

 plunged into the water, and succeeded in getting me along- 

 side, where with the assistance of the small boat, he brought 

 me on board, heartily tired with my bathing excursion, and my 

 arms, neck, and shoulders, completely blistered by the sun. 

 At another time I had an opportunity of seeing him particu^ 

 larly active in attempting to save the captain of the schooner, 

 a white man, who unfortunately fell overboard. We wer6 

 going very fast at the time before the wind ; the small boat 

 happened to be towing astern ; Jem, and another negro 

 jumped in and cut the tow rope, but their good intent was 

 frustrated, it was too late, the watery deep had closed over him. 

 When the accident happened, it was nearly dark, we came 

 to anchor and hoisted a lanthorn at the mast head, as a signal 

 for the boat to find us. It was a long two hours before it re- 

 turned from the fruitless search, in which time, however, I 

 could not but remark how much the remaining negroes were 

 affected, and admired their assiduity in providing something 

 warm and nourishing for the captain, in case he should be 

 taken up, an event they expected, from his being such a good 

 swimmer, until the boat returned, when their disappointment 

 and srief were excessive. These circumstances tended to raise 

 the African race high in my estimation, and satisfied me that 

 gratitude and affection could be made prominent features iji 



