75 
assisted in dividing the provisions. Each 
man was to carry his own stock, which 
amounted to about three or four pounds 
of beef ; this, with some biscuits, which a 
few of my people had contrived to preserve 
from the wreck, was to serve us until we 
reached a christian settlement. So far from 
any appearance of hostility, the natives 
seemed to view our departure with regret. 
I took the chief by the hand, and thanked 
him for his great and friendly attentions 
to me and my unfortunate crew ; assuring 
him, at the same time, that if I survived the 
journey, it would ever be my first consider- 
ation to render him and his people some 
essential service. He thanked me, and 
then requested I would tell the colonists 
our ship was lost at sea, and so distant from 
the land, that no part of her could possibly 
reach the shore. He also desired me to 
place the utmost confidence in my guides, 
as they would certainly direct me for the 
best. After my people and the natives had 
exchanged some mutual civilities, we parted, 
and gave one another a last and affectionate 
adieu. 
