SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 297 
embarked, however, and left these happy shores. In descend- 
ing the tortuous course of the Charente, contrary winds so 
impeded our progress that we did not reach the Medusa till 
the morrow, having taken twenty-four hours in sailing four 
leagues. At length we mounted the deck of the Medusa, of 
painful memory. When we got on board we found our berths 
not provided for us, consequently were obliged to remain in- 
discriminately together till next day. Our family, which con- 
sisted of nine persons, was placed in a berth near the main 
deck. As the wind was still contrary, we lay at anchor for 
several days. 
On the 17th of June, at four in the morning, we set sail, as 
did the whole expedition, which consisted of the Medusa fri- 
gate, the Loire store-ship, the Argus brig, and the Echo cor- 
vette. The wind being very favorable, we soon lost sight of 
the green fields of 1' Aunis. At six in the morning, however, 
the island of Rhe still appeared above the horizon. We fixed 
our eyes upon it with regret, to salute for the last time our 
dear country. Now, imagine the ship borne aloft, and sur- 
rounded by huge mountains of water, which at one moment 
tossed it in the air, and at another plunged it into the profound 
abyss. The waves, raised by a stormy north-west breeze, 
came dashing in a horrible manner against the sides of our 
ship. I know not whether it was a presentiment of the mis- 
fortune which menaced us that had made me pass the preced- 
ing night in the most cruel inquietude. In my agitation I 
sprung upon deck and contemplated with horror the frigate 
winging its way upon the waters. The winds pressed against 
the sails with great violence, strained and whistled among 
the cordage, and the great hulk of wood seemed to split every 
time the surge broke upon its sides. On looking a little out 
to sea I perceived, at no great distance on our right, all the 
other ships of the expedition, which quieted me much. To- 
ward ten in the morning the wind changed ; immediately an 
appalling cry was heard, concerning which the passengers, 
as well as myself, were equally ignorant. The whole crew 
were in motion. Some climbed the rope ladders, and seemed 
to perch on the extremities of the yards; others mounted to 
the highest parts of the masts ; these bellowing and pulling 
certain cordages in cadence ; those crying, swearing, whist- 
ling, and filling the air with barbarous and unknown sounds. 
The officer on duty, in his turn, roared out these words, star- 
board ! larboard ! hoist ! lufl?*! tack ! which the helmsman re- 
peated in the same tone. All this hubbub, however, produced 
