toss OF A SPANISH FRIGATE. 233 
rock, which could scarcely be discerned on account of the ex- 
cessive darkness occasioned by the shade of a lofty mountain 
covered with trees. He instantly called out, " Put the ship 
about." But it was too late, and the unfortunate vessel, im- 
pelled by the violence of the wind and waves, was dashed al- 
most at the same moment against the rock, with such force 
that her side was shattered ; a mountainous sea, which had 
broken against the same rock, overwhelmed the frigate on its 
return, and filled the stern-cabin. 
Nothing was now heard in the ship but the most dreadful 
outcries and lamentations, which succeeded the shouts of joy 
and intemperate mirth occasioned but a few moments before 
by the fumes of the wine. Nothing can equal the distress and 
confusion which every where prevailed. Some, awakened by 
the shock, cried out along with the rest, though half asleep 
and ignorant of the cause. The noise, the darkness, the 
shrieks, augmented the horrors of the scene. The most de- 
plorable thing was, that we all saw we were lost, and yet 
none was able to say by what strange reverse we were over- 
whelmed with destruction just at our entrance into the port; 
and I was just as ignorant of the cause as the rest. Amidst 
this consternation some Avere on their knees on the deck, ad- 
dressing vows to heaven for their safety, others with folded 
hands implored the Almighty for mercy, while others loudly 
acknowledged their most secret crimes. 
Though surrounded with this scene of distress, I, for my 
part, preserved that composure with which God has endowed 
me, and which I have the good fortune never to lose, in what- 
ever danger I am involved. Seeing that they were all on the 
point of perishing, for Avant of adopting the only measure 
suited to the critical situation we were in, I encouraged these 
unfortunate men to exert themselves for their own preserva- 
tion. I persuaded them first to cut away the masts, and to 
secure the planks, beams, and other things capable of sup- 
porting us on the water, and assisting us to reach the shore. 
I then ordered them to throw overboard every thing which, 
by its weight, would contribute to sink the vessel more rapid- 
ly. With these precautions, and the aid of the pumps, I kept 
the ship afloat till the dawn of day. 
But what proved of greater service than any thing else, 
was the advice I gave them, for every two to fasten about 
them a long cord, one at each end. This expedient saved 
the lives of a considerable number; for when the frigate, 
which had opened every where, foundered in spite of our 
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