SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 335 
At two in the afternoon we saw a small boat beating against 
the current of the stream with oars. It soon reached the spot 
where we were. Two Europeans landed, saluted our cara- 
van, and inquired for my father. One of them said he came 
on the part of MM. Artigue and Laboure, inhabitants of Se- 
negal, to offer assistance to the boats which were getting rea- 
dy for our family; the other added, that he had not waited for 
us at the island of St. Louis, knowing too well what would be 
our need. We were desirous of thanking them, but they in- 
stantly ran off to the boat and brought us provisions which 
my father's old friends had sent him. They placed before us 
large baskets containing several loaves, cheese, a bottle of Ma- 
deira, a bottle of filtered water, and dresses for my father. 
Every one, who, during our journey, had taken any interest 
in our unfortunate family, and especially the brave Captain 
Begnere, had a share of our provisions. We experienced a 
real satisfaction in partaking with them, and giving them this 
small mark of our gratitude. 
A young aspirant of marine, who had refused us a glass of 
water in the desert, pressed with hunger, begged of us some 
bread; he got it, also a small glass of Madeira. 
It was four o'clock before the boats of the government ar- 
rived, and we all embarked. Biscuit and wine were found in 
aach of them, and all were refreshed. 
That in which our family were was commanded by M. Ar- 
tigue, captain of the port, and one of those who had sent us 
provisions. My father and he embraced as two old friends 
who had not seen one another for eight years, and congratula- 
ted themselves that they had been permitted to meet once 
more before they died. We had already made a league upon 
the river, when a young navy clerk (M. Mollien) was sudden- 
ly taken ill. We put him ashore, and left him to the care of a 
negro, to conduct him to Senegal when he should recover. 
Immediately the town of St. Louis presented itself to our 
view. At the distance its appearance is fine; but in propor- 
tion as it is approached the illusion vanishes, and it looks as 
it iieally is — dirty, very ill built, poor, and filled with straw huts 
black with smoke. At six in the evening we arrived at the 
port of St. Louis. It would be in vain for me to paint the va- 
rious emotions of my mind at that delicious moment. I am 
bold to saj^ all the colony, if wq except MM. Schmaltz and 
Lachaumareys, were at the port to receive us from our boats. 
M. Artigue going on shore first to acquaint the English go- 
vernor of our arrival, met him comino^ to us on horeseback, 
