432 SHIPWRECK OF THE JONGE THOMAS. 
out, with a stripling of a lieutenant, from the citadel, to take 
the places where the ship lay, in order to keep a strict look 
out, and prevent any of the company's effects from being sto- 
len. A gibbet was erected, and an edict issued at the same 
time, importing that whoever should come near the spot, 
should be hanged immediately, without trial, or sentence be- 
ing passed upon them. On this account, the compassionate 
inhabitants, who had gone out on horseback to the assistance 
of the wretched sufferers, were obliged to return, without be- 
ing able to do them the least service ; but, on the contrary, 
witnessed the brutality and want of feeling evinced on this 
occasion by certain persons, who did not bestow a thought on 
affording the least assistance or relief to their fellow-crea- 
tures upon the wreck, perishing with cold, hunger, and thirst, 
and almost in the arms of death. 
Another circumstance tended to render this otherwise dis- 
tressing scene still more afflicting. Among the few lucky 
enough to save their lives by swimming from the wreck, was 
the gunner, who stripped himself quite naked, in order that 
he might swim the easier, and had the good luck to come 
alive to shore, Avhich was not the case with every one who 
could swim, for many were either dashed to pieces against the 
rocks, or, by the violence of the surf, carried again into the 
sea. When he arrived on shore he found his chest landed 
before him ; but just as he was going to open it and take out 
his great coat, the lieutenant who commanded the party drove 
him away from it, and though he earnestly begged for leave 
to take out the clothes necessary for covering his naked and 
shivering body, and could also prove by the key, fastened, ac- 
cording to the sailor's custom, to his waist, as well as by his 
name cut on the lid of his chest, that it was actually his pro- 
perty, he was, nevertheless, forced to retreat without effecting 
his purpose, by this merciless hero, who gave him several 
smart blows with his cane on his bare back. After he had 
passed the whole day naked and hungry, and exposed to the 
piercing winds, and was going to be taken, in the evening, to 
town along with others who had been saved from the wreck, 
he again asked leave to take a coat out of his chest to cover 
himself with ; but this, having been previously plundered, he 
found empty. On entering the town, where he arrived stark 
naked, he met with a burgher, who took compassion on him 
and lent him his great coat. Afterward he, as well as the 
other unfortunate wretches, were obliged to run about the 
town, several days together, begging victuals, clothes and 
