SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 397 
where we found the lieutenant of the frigate and some others 
who had been wrecked with us. Compassion was painted 
on every face, and pity drew tears from every eye Avhich be- 
held us. We found some excellent broth on board the brig, 
which they had prepared, and when they had perceived us 
they added to it some wine, and thus restored our nearly ex- 
hausted strength. They bestowed on us the most generous 
care and attention; our wounds were dressed, and on the 
morrow many of our sick began to revive. Some, however, 
still suffered much, for they were placed between decks, very 
near the kitchen, which augmented the almost insupportable 
heat of these latitudes. This want of space arose from the 
small size of the vessel. The number of the shipwrecked 
was indeed very considerable. Those who did not belong to 
the navy were laid upon cables, wrapped in flags, and placed 
under the fire of the kitchen. Here they had almost perished 
during the course of the night, fire having broken out be- 
tween decks about ten in the evening ; but timely assistance 
being rendered, we were saved for the second time. We had 
scarcely escaped when some became again delirious. An 
officer of infantry wished to throw himself into the sea to 
look for his pocket-book, and would have done it had he not 
been prevented. Others were seized in a manner not less 
frenzied. 
The commander and officers of the brig watched over ■as, 
and kindly anticipated our wants. They snatched us from 
death, by saving us from the raft; their unremitted care revived 
within us the spark of life. The surgeon of the ship, M. Re- 
u-aud, distinguished himself for his indefatigable zeal. He was 
obliged to spend the whole of the day in dressing our wounds j 
and during the two days we were on board the brig he be- 
stowed on us all the aid of his art, with an attention and gen- 
tleness which merit our eternal gratitude. 
In truth, it was time we should find an end of our suffer- 
ings; they had lasted thirteen days in the most cruel manner. 
The strongest among us might have lived forty-eight hours, 
or so, longer. M. Correard felt that he must die in the course 
of the day ; he had, however, a presentiment that we would be 
saved. He said, that a series of events so unheard of would 
not be buried in oblivion ; that Providence would at least pre- 
serve some of us to tell the world the melancholy story of our 
misfortunes. 
Such is the faithful history of those who were left upon 
the memorable raft. Of one hundred and fifty, fifteen only 
34 
