P R E F A C E .

IN this new Epitome of the wonderful Life and most sur-
prizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, I think myself
obliged to acquaint the Reader, “ that all possible care has
“ been taken to preserve the History entire, to correct some
“ mistakes in former impreſsions, and to add a conſiderable
“ number of facts and material obſervatians that have of
“ late occurred, and were never published but in this
“ Edition.

THE general ſuccesſs and the juſt applaufe the work at
large bas met with, render it neechleſs for me to ſay any thing
in its commendation ; nor do I think the weak exceptions that
have been made againſt the poſſibility of the ſtory, deferve
any obſervation.

WHAT if the whole was (as is ſuggested) a mere ſic-
tion ? Yet the deſign is ſo juſtly carried on, and ſo inter-
ſpersed with curious obſervations and moral reſſections, that
all persons, who have any taſte for the metaphorical way
of writing, muſt allow this a maſter piece, and I will
venture to ſay the first and beſt of the kind that ever ap-
peared in the English language.

BUT as I hope the performance will ſpeak better in
its own favour than any body can pretend to do, I ſhall not
trouble the Reader, nor myself, with uſeleſs apologies,
or attempt to perſuade any one into an opinion of a work ſo
universally eſteemed.

LET this epitome which is contracted into as narrow
a compass as possible, be but read over with that considera-
tion and ſedatenefs which the nature of the deſign deſerves,
and then there is no doubt to be made, but the candid Rea-
der will find a ſufficient return both for his trouble and
expence; and, with these cautions, and upon this pre-
ſumption, I submit the following ſheets to his perſal.

T H E

THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE.

IN the year 1632, I was born at York, of a reputable family. My father was a native of Bremen, who, merchandizing at Hull for some time, gained a very plentiful fortune and married my mother in York, who received her first breath in that country. And as her maiden name was Robinson, I was called Robinson Kreuznaer; which not being easily pronounced in the English tongue we are commonly known by the name of Cruftoe.

I was the youngest of three brothers, the eldest was a Lieutenant Col. in Lockhart's regiment, but slain by the Spaniards: what became of the other I could never learn.

No change nor pains were wanting in my education, my father designing me for the law: yet nothing would serve me but I must go to sea both against the will of my father, the tears of my mother, and the intreaties of friends. One morning my father reafoned very warmly with me: Says he, what reafon have you to leave your native country, where there must be a more certain prospect of content and happineſs, than to enter into a wandering condition of uneaſineſs and uncertainty? He re-commended me to Agar's wiſh, neither to desire adverſity nor riches; that a middle state of life was the most happy; and that the high towering thoughts of raiſing our condition by wandering abroad were furrounded with misery and danger, and often ending with misery and difappointment. I intreat you, may I command you, says he, to defiſt from these intentions; Confider your eldest brother, who laid down his life for his honour, or rather lost it for his diſobedience to my will. If you will go, added he, my prayers, however, ſhall be offered for your preservation; but a time may come, when, defolate, oppreſt, or forſaken, you may wiſh you had taken your

poor

(6)

poor despifed father's council. — He pronounced these
words with such a moving and paternaleloquence, while
floods of tears ran down his aged cheeks, that seemed to
stem the torrent of my resolutions.

But I was then nineteen, when one time being at *Hull*,
I met a school fellow of mine, going along with his
father who

was master of a ship, to *London*: And acquainting him
with my wandering desire, he allured me of my free paſ-
sage, and a plentiful share of what was necessary. Thus
without imploring a bleffing, or taking a farewel of my
parents, I took shipping on the first of *September*, 1651.
When our ship having no sooner left the *Humber* a-ſtern,
but there arose fueh a violent ſtorm and being extremely
ſea-fick, I thought the judgment of God defervedly fol-
lowed me for my diſobedience to my dear parents.

Such were my thoughts while the storm continued;
but these good resolutions decreased with the danger.
More especially when my companion came to me clap-
ping me on the shoulder: What, Bob, said he, *sure you*
was not frightened laſt night with ſcarce a cap-full of
wind?

( 7 )

wind?—And do you, cry'd I, call such a violent storm
a cap full of wind? A storm, you fool you, said he, this is
nothing; A good ship and sea-room always baffle such a
fquall of wind as that: But you're a fresh-water sailor;
come boy, turn out, see what fine weather we have now,
and a good bowl of punch will drown all your past sorrow.
In short the punch was made, I was drunk, and in one
night's time drowned both my repentance and my good
resolution, entirely forgetting the vows and promife I
made in my distrefts: & whenever any reflections would
return on me, what by company and drinking, I soon
maftered those fits, as I deridingly called them. But
this only made way for another trial, whereby I could
not but see how much I was beholden to kind providence

Upon the sixth day, we came to an anchor in Harwich
road, where we lay wind bound with some Newcastle
ships; and there being good anchorage, and our cables
found, the seamen forgot their late toil and danger, and
spent their time as merry as if they had been on shore.
But on the eighth day there arose such a brisk gale of
wind, which prevented our tiding it up the river, and
still increasing, our ship rid fore-castle in, having ship-
ped several large seas.

It was not long before horror feiz'd the seamen them-
selves, when I heard the master exprefs this melancholy
ejaculation, Lord have mercy on us, we are all loft and
undone! For my part, sick unto death, I kept my ca-
bin, till the universal and most dreadful apprehensions
among us of our speedy fate, made me get upon deck;
and there I was dreadfully affrighted indeed. The sea
went mountains high: I could see nothing but distrefts
around us: Two ships had cut their masts on board, and
another had founder'd. Two more that had loft their an-
chors, were forced out to the mercy of the ocean; and
to fave our lives we were forced to cut our fore-mast and
main-mast quite away.

Who is there so ignorant as not to judge of my dread-

A 4

ful

( 8 )

ful condition? I was but a fresh-water sailor, and there-
fore it seemed more terrible. Our ship was very good,
but too much laden, which made the failors often cry
out, she would founder; words I then was ignorant of!
All this while the storm continuing, the master and
the more sober part of his men went to prayers, expect-
ing death every moment. In the middle of the night
one cried out we had sprung a leak, another, that there
was four foot water in her hold. I was just ready to ex-
pire with fear, when immediately all hands were called
to the pump; and the men forced me also in that ex-
tremity to share with them in their labour. While thus
employed, the masterespying some light colliers, fired
a gun as a signal of distress; which I not understanding
what it meant, and thinking that either the ship broke,
or some dreadful thing happened, fell into a swoon; but
in that common condition of woe nobody minded me,
excepting to thrust me aside with their feet thinking me
dead, and it was a great while before I recovered.

Happy it was for us, when upon the signal given, they ventured out their boat to save our lives. All our pumping had been in vain, and vain had their attempts been, had they not come to our ship's side when our men cast a rope over the stern with a buoy to it, which after a great deal of trouble they got hold of, and we hauling them to us, and got into their boat. So leaving the ship, we perceived it sink in less than a quarter of an hour by which means I knew what was foundering at sea. And now they incessantly laboured to recover their own ship, but the sea ran so high, & the wind blowing hard they thought it convenient to haul within shore, which with great difficulty and danger at last we happily effected, landing at a place called Oromer, not far from Winterton light-houfe: from thence we walked to Yarmouth, where as objects of pity many good people furnished us with necessaries for our subsistence either to Hull or London.

'Tis

( 9 )

'Tis strange, that after all this, like the Prodigal Son,
I did not return to my father; who hearing of the ship's
calamity, for a long time thought me intrombed in the
deep. No doubt but I should have shared in this fatted
calf, as the scripture expresseth it: But my ill fate still
pulsed me on, in spite of the powerful conviction of
reason and conscience.

When I had been at Yarmouth three days, I met my
old companion, who had given me the invitation to go
along with his father. His behaviour and speech was al-
terred, and in a melancholy manner asked me how I did,
telling his father who I was, and how I had made this
voyage for a trial only to proceed farther abroad: Upon
which the old gentleman turning to me, gravely said,
young man, you ought not to go to sea any more, but to
take this for a certain sign that you will never prosper in
a fea-faring condition. Sir answered I, will you take the
fame resolution ? 'Tis a different cafe, said he, 'tis my
calling & consequently my duty, but as you have made
this voyage only for a trial, you see what ill successes heaven
has fet before your eyes, & perhaps our misery has been
on your account, like Jonah in the ship of Tarshish; but
pray what are you, on what account did you go to sea?
Upon which I very freely declared my whole story; at
the end of which he made this exclamation, Ye sacred
powers ! what had I committed, that such a wretch
should enter into my ship, to heap on me such a deluge
of miseries ! But soon recollecting his passion, young
man, said he, depend upon it, if you do not go back,
wherever you go you will meet with disasters and dif-
pointments, till your father's words are fulfilled upon
you. And so we parted.

I thought at first to return home, but shame opposed
that good motion, as thinking I should be laughed at
by my neighbours and acquaintance. So strange is the
nature of youth, who are not ashamed to sin, but yet a-
shamed to repent; and far from being ashamed of those

actions

A 5

( 10 )

actions for which they may be accounted fools, think it
folly in returning to their duty, which is the principle
mark of wisdom. In short, I travelled to London, resolved
upon a voyage, and a voyage I soon heard of, by
my acquaintance, with a captain who took a fancy to me
to go to the coast of Guinca. Having some money, and
appearing like a gentleman, I went on board, not as a
common sailor or fore-mast-man; nay, the commander
agreed I should go that voyage with him without any
expence; that I should be his mefsmate and companion;
and I was very welcome to carry any thing with me,
and make the best merchandize I could.

I blessed my happy fortune, and humbly thanked my
captain for his kind offer; when acquainting my friends
in Yorkshire, forty pounds were sent me, the greatest
part of which I believe my dear father and mother con-
tributed to; and with which I bought toys and trifles
as the captain directed me. My captain also learned me
navigation, how to keep an account of the ship's course,
take an observation, and led me into the knowledge of
several useful branches of the mathematicks. And in-
deed this voyage made me both a failor and merchant.
For I brought home 5 pounds 9 ounces of gold dust for
my adventure, which produced at my return to London
almost three hundred pounds. But in this voyage I was
extremely sick being thrown into a violent calenture,
thro' excessive heat, and traversing on the coast, from
the latitude of 15 degrees north, even to the line itself.

But alas! my dear friend the captain soon departed
this life after his arrival. This was a sensible grief to me
yet I resolved to go another voyage with his mate, who
had now got the command of the ship. But this proved
unsuccessful; for I did not carry quite 100l. of my late
acquired wealth, so that I had 200l. left, which I de-
polited with my captain's widow, who was an honest
gentlewoman, yet my misfortunes in this voyage were
very great on me, for our ship failing towards the Cana-

(11)

islands, we were chafed by a Sallee rover; and in spite
of all the fail we could make, by crowding as much can-
was as our yards would spread, or mafts carry, the pirate
gained upon us, and so we prepared ourselves to fight.
They had 18 guns, and we had but 12. About three
in the afternoon there was a desperate engagement,
wherein many were killed and wounded on both sides;
but finding ourselves overpower'd with numbers our ship
disabled, and ourselves too important to have the least
hopes of successes, were forced to surrender, and accord-
ingly we were all carried into the port of Salee. Our
men were sent to the Emperor's court to be sold there;
but the pirate captain taking notice of me, kept me
as his own slave.

In this condition I thought myself the most miserable
 creature on earth, and the prophecy of my father came
 afresh into my thoughts. As it happened, my condition
 was better than I thought it to be, as will soon appear.
 Some hopes indeed I had, that my new patron would
 go to sea again, where he might be taken by a Spanis-
 or Portugal man of war, and then I should be set at li-
berty. But in this I was mistaken, for he never took
 me with him, but left me to look after his little garden,
 and do the drudgery of his house and when he returned
 from sea, would make me lie in the cabin and look after
 the ship. I had no one that I could communicate my
 thoughts to, which were continually meditating my ef-
 cape: no Englishman, Irishman, or Scotchman here, but
 myself; and for two years I could see nothing practica-
 ble but only pleased myself with imaginations.

After some length of time, my patron, as I found,
grew so poor that he could not fit out his ship as usual;
And then he used constantly, once or twice a week, if
the weather was fair, to go out a fishing, taking me and
a young morefco boy to row the boat; and so much plea-
ed was he with me for my dexterity in catching fish,
that he would often send me with a moor who was one

A 6

of

( 12 )

of his kinsmen, and the Moreſco youth, to catch a diſh
of fish for him.

One morning as we were at the ſport, there aroſe ſuch
a thick fog, that we loft all fight of ſhore: and rowing
we knew not which way, we laboured all the night, and
in the morning found ourſelves in the ocean two leagues
from land; however, we attained there at length, and
we made the greater haſte, becauſe our ſtomacks were
ſharp and hungry. But the better to prevent ſuch diſ-
aſters, my captain ordered a carpenter to build a little
ſtate room or cabin in the middle of the long boat, with
a place behind it to ſteer and haul home the main ſheet,
with other conveniencies to keep him from the weather
as also lockers to put in provisions; with a hand-
ſome ſhoulder of mutton ſail, gibing over the cabin.

In this he frequently took us a fishing; and one time
inviting 2 or 3 perſons of distinction to go along with
him, made provision extraordinary, providing alſo three
ſugees, with ſhot, that they might have ſome ſport at
fowling along the ſea coaſt. The next morning, the boat
being clean, her antients and pendants out, and every
thing ready, their minds altering, my patron ordered
us to go a fishing, for that his guests would certainly
ſup with him that night.

And now I began to think of my deliverance indeed.
In order to this I perſuaded the Moor to get ſome provi-
fions on board, not daring to meddle with our patron's,
who taking my advice, we ſtor'd ourſelves with ruſk bif-
cuit, and three jars of water, beſides I privately con-
veyed a bottle of brandy, ſome twine, thread, a ham-
mer, hatchet, and a ſaw; in particular ſome bees wax,
which was a great comfort to me, and ſerved to make
candles. I then perſuaded Muley for so was the Moor
called, to procure ſome powder and ſhot, pretending to
kill ſea curlieus, to which he innocently and readily a-
greed. And in ſhort being provided with all things ne-
cessary we failed out, resolving for my own part to make
my eſcape, though it might coſt me my life.

( 13 )

When we had passed the castle, we fell to fishing;
but though I knew there was a bite, I disembled the
matter, in order to put farther out to sea: Accordingly
we ran a league farther; when giving the boy the helm
& pretending to stoop for something, I seized Muley by
furprize and threw him over-board. He was an excellent
swimmer, soon arose, and made towards the boat;
upon which I took up a fugee, and prefented it at him;
Muley said I, I never yet design'd to do you any harm &
seek nothing now but my escape I know you're able
enough to swim to shore & save your life; but if you are
refolved to follow me, to the endangering of mine, the
moment you proceed I'll shoot you thro' the head. The
harmless fellow, at these words turn'd himself from me
and I make no doubt got safe to land. Then turning
to the boy Xury, I pereeiv'd he trembled at the action;
but I put him out of all fear, telling him, that if he
would be true & faithful to me, I would do well by him,
and therefore, said I, you must stroke your face to be
faithful, and as the Turks have learnt you, swear by
Mahomet, and the beard of your father, or else I will
throw you into the sea also. So innocent did the child
then look, and with such an obliging smile, contented,
that I readily believed him, and from that day forward
began to love him entirely.

Thus we pursued our voyage, and that they should
think me gone to the Straits month, I kept to the truly
Barbarian coast; and steered directly S. by E. that I
might keep near the shore; and having a fresh gale of
wind, with a pleasant smooth sea, by three o'clock the
next day was 150 miles beyond the Emperor's
dominions. Yet still having the dreadful apprehension
of being retaken, I continued failing five days fucce-
sively, till such time as the wind shifting to the south-
ward, made me conclude, that if any vessel was in chase
of me, they would proceed no farther, & after so much
fatigue & thought I anchored at the mouth of a little

A 7

river

( 14 )

river, I knew not what, or where, nor did I see any people. What I principally wanted was fresh water and I was resolved about dufskiilh to swim ashore. But no sooner did the gloomy clouds of night begin to succeed the declining day, when we heard such barking, roaring, and howling of wild creatures, that one might have thought the very strangeft monsters of nature or infernal spirits, had their residence there. Poor Xury, intreated me not to go on shore that night. Suppose I don't, Xury, said I, and in the morning we shall see men who are worse than those we fear; what then? O den we may give dem de shoot gun, repli'd Xury, laughing, and de gun make dem all run way. The wit and broken English, which the boy had learnt from the captives of our nation, pleased me entirely, and to add to his chearfulneſs I gave him a dram out of the bottle; We could get but little sleep all that night, for the terrible howlings they made, indeed we were both affrighted very much, when by the rolling of the water, and other tokens we justly concluded one of the monsters made towards our boat, I could not see it till it came within two oars length, when taking my fuse, I let fly at him: Whether I hit him or no, I cannot tell; but he made towards the shore, & the noise of my gun inoreas'd the flupendious noise of the monsters.

The next morning I was resolved to go on shore to get fresh water and venture my life among beasts or savages should either attack me. Xury said he would take one of the jars and bring me some; I asked him why he would go, and not I. The poor boy answered, if wild men come they eat me, you go away. A mind scarcely to be imitated, so contrary to self-preservation, the most powerful law of nature! This indeed increased my affection for the child. Well dear Xury, said I, we will both go ashore, and they shall eat neither of us. So giving Xury a piece of rusk bread to eat, and a dram, we waded ashore, taking nothing with us but our

( 15 )

our arms, and two jars for water. I did not go far off
the boat, as dreading the savages coming down the river
in their canoes. But the boy seeing a low descent, or
vale about a mile in the country, he wandered to it ;
& then running back to me with great precipitation, I
thought he was purfuied by some savage or wild beaſt,
on which I approached, resolving to perifh or protect
him from danger. As he came nearer me, I ſaw ſome-
thing hanging over his shoulders, which was a creature
he had ſhot, like a hare, but different in colour, and
longer legs ; however, we were glad of it, for it proved
wholesome nourifhing meat; but what added to our joy
was, my boy affured me there was plenty of water, and
that he ſee no wild mans. Great was our comfort when
we found fresh water in the creek, where the boat lay.

In this place I began to think the Canary and the Cape
de Verd islands lay not far off; having no instrument
I knew not what latitude, or how to stand off to fea
for them; yet my hopes were, I should meet some of
the English trading veſſels, who would take me up.

The place I was in was, no doubt, that wild fort a
country, inhabited only by a few, that lies between the
E. of Morocco's dominions and the Negroe's: It was
fill'd with wild beaſts, and the Moors uſe it for hunting
chiefly. From this place I thought I ſaw the top of the
mountain Teneriffe, in the Canaries; which made me
try twice to attain it, but as often was I drove back,
and forced to purſue my fortune along the shore,

Early one morning we came to an anchor under a little
point of land but pretty high, & the tide beginning
to flow we lay ready to go farther in: But Xury, whole
youthful and penetrating eyes were ſharper than mine,
in a soft tone, deſired me to keep far from land, left we
should be devoured: For, look yonder Meyter, laid he,
and ſee dreadful monster faſt asleep on de side of de hill.
Accordingly, looking where he pointed, I eſpy'd a fear-
ful monster indeed; it was a terrible lion that lay on

A 3

ſhore

( 16 )

shore, covered, as it were, by that piece of the hill.
Xury, said I, you shall go on shore and kill him. But the
boy look'd amaz'd; me kill him said he, he eat me at one
mouth, meaning one mouthful. Upon this I charged
my biggest gun well, shot at him and broke his leg and
then with a shot from my other gun killed him.

But the flesh not being good to eat. I thought it
was spending our ammunition in vain indeed, I thought
the skin would be of great use. Which cost Xury and I
a whole day's work to flea him and afterwards it served
for me upon.

And we now failed southwardly, living sparingly on
our provisions, and went no further on shore than we
were obliged for fresh water. My design was to make
the river Gambia, Senegal, or any where about the Cape
de Verd in hopes to meet some European ship. If Pro-
vidence did not so favour, my next course was to seek
for the islands, or lose my life among Negroes. And
in a word I put my whole life upon this, either that
I must meet with some ship, or certainly perish.

But as we were failing along, we saw people stand on
the shore to look at us, we could also perceive they was
the

( 17 )

black and stark naked. I was inclined to go on shore,
but Xury cried No, no; however I approached nearer
and found them run along the shore by me a good way:
They had no weapons in their hands, except one, who
held a long stick, which Xury told me was a lance with
which they could kill at a great distance. I talked to
them by signs and made 'em sensible I wanted some-
thing to eat: They beckoned me to stop my boat,
while two of them ran up into the country, and in less
than half an hour came back & brought with them two
pieces of dry flesh and some corn, which we kindly ac-
cepted to prevent any fear of either side, they brought
the food to the shore laid it down, then went and stood
a great way off, till we fetched it on board, and
then came close to us again.

But while we were returning thanks to them, being
all we could offer, two mighty creatures came from the
mountains one as it were pursuing the other with great
fury, which we were inclined to believe, because they
frequently appear but in the night, and both these passing
the Negroes, jumped into the sea, wantonly swimming
about, as though the diversion of the waters had put a
stop to their fiercestens. At last, one of them coming
nearer my boat than I expected or desired, I shot him
directly through the head; on which he funk imme-
diately, yet rising again, would have willingly made to
the shore; but between the wound and the strangling
of the water, he died before he could reach it.

It was not possible for me to express the conternation
the poor Negroes was in at the firing of my gun, much
less can I mention their surprize when they perceived
the creature slain by it. I made signs to them to draw
near it, and then gave them a rope to hale it on shore.
It was a fine leopard which made me desire its skin;
and the Negroes wanting the carcase, I very free-
ly gave it to them. As for the other leopard, it made
shore, and ran with prodigious swiftness out of fight.

The

A 9

of the kill
m. But th
me at on
I charge
his leg an
d him.

thought it
I thought
ury and
is it served
ringly on
e than we
to make
the cap
p. If Pro
s. And
ther that
if.
stand on
they was
d the

( 18 )

The Negroes having kindly furnished me with water & with what roots and grain their country afforded, I took my leave, and after eleven days fail we came in fight of Cape de Verd, or those islands that go by that name; but could by no means reach either of them; upon which I grew very much dejected; when Xury (with a fort of terror) cried out, Mastro, Mastro, a great ship with a fall I soon perceived she was a Portugueze, and, as I conjectured, bound to Guinea for Negroes; upon which I strove all I could to come up with them; but all my striving had been in vain, if they had not happened to espy, and shortened their fall to stop for me.

Encouraged by this I set up my antient, and fired a gun, both as signals of distress; upon which they kindly lay to, till I came up with them. It happened there was, a Scotch sailor on board, to whom I made my case known; and then they took me into their ship.

You may well imagine my joy was exceedingly great for this unexpected deliverance; especially when I found the captain of the ship was very kind and compassionate to me; to whom, in return to his friendship, I offered all that I had, which he generously refused, telling me, his Christian charity taught him better: These effects you have says he, will be a means to support you when you come to the Brafils, and provide for your passage to your native country. And indeed he acted with strict justice towards me in all respects.

He bought my boat of me, and gave me his note to pay me eighty pieces of eight for it when we came to the Brafils: he also gave me sixty for my boy Xury from whom I parted with great reluctance; however the boy being willing, I agreed he should be fet at liberty after ten years service.

We arrived at the bay of all Saints after 22 days fail. the good man would not take any thing for my passage. He gave me 20 ducats for the leopard's skin, and 40 for the lion's; every thing he caused to be delivered, and

what

( 19 )

what I would sell he bought. In short I made 220 pieces of my small cargo, and with this little stock I began, as it were to enter anew into the world.

He recommended me to an honest planter, with whom I lived till I'd informed myself in the manner of planting and making sugar; and observing the great advantages of that business, I resolved to get the money I had left behind me in England remitted, and to buy a plantation.

In short, I purchased a plantation adjoining to an honest Portugueze, born of English parents, whom, upon all occasions, I found a very kind and useful neighbour. Our stocks at first were both very low; nevertheless by our industry and care, in a short time we made several considerable improvements, and began to grow rich. And now it was I repented the lots of my dear boy Xury; having no mortal to affist me, nor any body to converse with but my neighbour.

I was in some measure settled before the captain that took me up left the Brafils. One day I went to him and told him what stock I had left in London, and desir'd his aff assistance in getting a remittance; to which the good gentleman readily consented, but would have me only lend for half, left it should miscarry, and if it did the rest would support me; so taking letters of procuration from me, he assured me he would serve me to the utmost of his power; and in truth he kept his word, and was extremely kind to me upon all occasions.

And now my wealth began to encreafe a pace, and in this state, I might have lived very happy, if my ambition & roving inclination had not had too great power over me. I had now lived some years in the Brafils, and not only learned the language, but contracted an acquaintance with several of the most eminent merchants at St. Salvadore, to whom relating the manner of my two voyages to Guinea, and the great advantages of trading in those parts, they gave such earnest attention

to

( 20 )

to what I said, that three came one morning, and told
me, that they had a mind to fit out a ship to go to Gui-
nea, and if I would go their supercargo, and manage the
trade, I should have an equal share, without putting in
any stock.

This I took to be a fair proposal, that, upon condi-
tion they would look after my plantation in my absence,
I consented to it; and accordingly a ship being fitted
out, and all things in readinefs, we fet fail the first of
September, 1650, steering northward upon the coast, in
order to gain the coast of Africa. But many days we
had not failed before we were overtaken by a violent
storm which lasted 12 days successively; when the wea-
ther cleared we found ourselves 11 degrees in the north
latitude, on the coast of Guinea; upon which the cap-
tain gave reasons for returning, which I opposed, coun-
felling him rather to stand away for Barbadoes, where
I judged we might arrive in 15 days; so altering our
course we steered westward, in order to reach the Lee-
ward islands; and here it was we were overtaken by a
terrible tempeft.

In this great distrefts, one of our men cried out Land!
land! when on looking out that very moment, we found
our ship was struck upon the sand, and expected we
should be all immediately lost. We knew not where
we were driven, and, what was worse, were certain the
ship could not hold out many moments longer.

Whilst we were looking upon one another, expecting
death every moment, the mate, affited by the crew,
hauled out the long-boat, and 11 of us committed our
selves to the fury of the sea and God's mercy. We soon
found this last effort was to no purpose, for the tem-
peft was so violent, and the sea ran so very high, that it
was impoffible for the boat to live. When we had been
driven about a league, comes a prodigious wave after
of us, and overfet us in an instant; so that we had hard-
ly time to call upon God to receive our souls.

When

While they were dur-
ing the war,
the join-
nately spent i

half de-
in dur-
as faſt:
But no
another
foch a
ever,
wave,
faſt ho-
then I
and al
platin
Alte-

( 21 )

When men are struggling with the pangs of death,
they are commonly infensible, but the case was quite
different with me, for, while I was overwhelmed with
the water, I had the most dreadful apprehensions, and

the joy of heaven and the torments of hell were alter-
upon conately in my thoughts : and yet still I kept striving on,
while all my companions were lost, till the wave had
been spent itself, and retiring had thrown me upon the shore
of the coal.

of the coal
any day
by a vio-
len the w-
hen the m-
ich the t-
ppofed, co-
adoes, w-
altering
each the l-
ertaken

ed out L
ent, we f
expect
w not w
ere cer
onger,
er, ex
by the
ommit-
ury. We
, for the
high,
n we ha
is wave
we had
fouls.

half dead, with the great quantity of water I had taken
in during my struggling; however, I got upon my feet
as fast as I could left another wave should carry me back
But notwithstanding I made all the speed I could, yet
another wave came, which dashed me against a rock, in
foch a furious manner, that it made me senseless; how-
ever, recovering a little before the return of the next
wave, which would doublets have carried me off, I held
fast hold of the rock till the succeeding wave abated and
then I made shift to reach the main land; where, tired
and almost spent, I sat down upon the shore, contem-
plating the manner of my present preservation.

After I had returned my thanks to almighty God for

this

( 22 )

this wonderful preservation, I began to look about me,
to consider what place I was in, and what was next to
be done in order to my future subsistence. I could see
neither house nor people: wet and hungry, and nothing
to help me, not even a weapon to defend me against
the wild beasts. In short, I had nothing in the world
but a knife, a short tobaccopipe and a box half full of
tobacco; and what was worse, night coming on, I was
under the most dreadful apprehensions of being de-
voured by wild beasts that I heard howling and roaring
round about me; so that I'd no prospect but to expect
another kind of death more terrible than that I had so
lately escaped. In this distress I walked about a fur-
long into the country to seek fresh water, which I
luckily happened upon: so taking to a tree, I seated
myself so that I could not fall, and where I slept till
morning.

It was day-light before I left my apartment in the
tree; when, coming down, and looking round, I per-
ceived that the tempest was ceased, and that the ship
was driven to the rock where I escaped, and, looking
farther I saw the ship's boat lying about a mile to the
right where the waves had cast her up.

I hoped to have got to the boat, but the water between
that and the shore rendered it impracticable; so I turn-
ed again towards the ship, in hopes to get something
from thence for my present subsistence.

At all hazards I resolved to get to the ship, and so
stripping, leaped into the water, and, swimming round
her, I had the good fortune to espy a rope hanging so
low down that I could reach it; by the help of which,
with some difficulty, I got into the forecastle. Here I
found the ship had bulged, her head lifted up against
a bank and her stern almost in the water; all her quar-
ter, & what was there, were free and dry; and I found
the provisions in good order, and wanted nothing but a
boat to carry what I had occasion for.

Necessity

( 23 )

Necessity which is the mother of invention, put a pro-
fect into my head. There was on board several spare
yards, a spare topmast or two, and three large spars of
wood; with these I fell to work, flinging as many of
them overboard as I could manage, and tied them to-
gether that they might not drive away; when this was
in the welone, I tied them together in form of a raft, and laid
half a tree or four short pieces of planks on them crofsways.
found it would bear me, but a very little weight be-
of being sides; and so to strengthen my raft I cut a topmast into
three or four lengths and added them to it; and then I
considered what was best to load it with, it being
that I had capable of carrying a tolerable weight.

At first I laid upon it all the boards I could get, and
then I lowered down three of the seamens chefts, and
filled them with provisions of all sorts: I found cloaths
enough, but then I took no more than my present
occasions required.

My concern was chiefly upon tools to work with, and
I fire-arms and ammunition; and, accordingly, I found
myself in my search, the carpenter's chelt; and in the great
and, look cabin, some fire-arms and ammunition, all which I put
on board my raft, and so, with two broken oars, &c. I
put to sea.

Though every thing at first seemed to favour my de-
ign, yet after I had failed about a mile, I found on a
fought the fore part of my raft run a-ground, so that it
was with the greatest difficulty imaginable I kept my
 cargo tight together; and, indeed, if I had not been
diligent and careful, all had been lost, and
unk into the sea; but after some time, Providence so
ordered it; that at the rising of the water, my raft
 floated again, and so I happily landed my effects.

Not far from the place where I landed, which was at
the mouth of a little cave, I discovered a very high hill
surrounded with a great many little ones, and thither I
eolved to go and view the country, and see what place

was

Necel

( 24 )

was proper for me to fix my habitation in; and accordingly, arming myself with a fowling piece, a pistol, and some ammunition, I ascended the mountain, and there found I was in an island surrounded by the sea. I seemed to be a barren uncultivated country, and only inhabited by wild beasts.

Returning afterwards to my raft, I got my goods on shore, and being very much afraid of the wild beasts, I made a fort of fence or barricade about it, which I thought might in some measure secure me against the danger I was apprehensive of: and so that night I slept very comfortable & the next morning when I awoke, I resolved to go again to the ship, to get such other necessary articles as I had most reason for, before another storm came, when I knew she must be dashed to pieces.

In order to this second expedition, I mended my raft where I found it defective, and brought away from the ship a great many other tools, cloaths, ammunition, &c. whatever else I thought most necessary for my future preservation and subsistence. Then I made haste to shore, fearing the wild beasts might come and devour what I had already landed.

When I had landed my second cargo, I fell immediately to work to make me a little tent and fortified it in the best manner I could, to secure myself as much as possible against any sudden attempt either from man or beast; after this I charged my fire-arms, block'd up the doors, and laid the bed I had brought from the ship up on the ground, and flept as comfortably as though I had been in my native country.

But still the thoughts of my future subsistence and preservation were uppermost in my mind and therefore I went to the ship as often as possible & brought away every thing I thought could be of any use; and indeed I had so stored myself that I judged I was tolerably provided for a considerable time.

I had now been 11 days in the island, and as many

( 25 )

times on board the ship.: as I was going the 12th time
the wind began to rife: however, I ventured at low
water, and with some difficulty, reached the ship, and
rummaging the cabin, found several other neceflaries,
and, among other things, above 391. sterling, in pieces
of eight which confidering my present circumftances, I
concluded was of small value to me; however I wrap-
ped it up in a canvas rag, and perceiving the storm be-
gan to encreafe, with all that I was able to carry with
me, I made the beſt of my way to the shore.

That night I flept very contented in my little forti-
fication; but when I looked out in the morning, I found
that the ship was loſt. I was very much concerned at
this circumftance: but when I reflected I had done
every thing in my power to recover what was useful to
me, I comforted myſelf in the beſt manner I could, &
submitted entirely to the will of Providence.

And now my thoughts were wholly taken up how to
defend and preſerve myſelf from the savages and wild
beaſts, which I was apprehedive might be in some part
or other of this island: and at one time I thought to dig
me a cave, at another to build me a tent, at length I
refolved to do both, and accordingly cotrived in the
following manner.

I confidered the ground, where I was, was moorish,
and that I had no conveniences of fresh water & there-
fore I determin'd to find out a place more healthful &
convenient; and to my great comfort and ſatistaction, I
ſoon found one that anſwered my expectation.

The place was a little plain near a rıſing hill; the
front being as steep as the ſide of a houſe. On the ſide
of this rock was a little hollow piece, reſembling the
entrance of a cave; just before this place I resolved my
tent should stand. This plain was a 100 yar ds broad,
& twice as long, with a pleaſant descent to the ſea ſide.
After this I drew a ſemi-circle comprizing about ten
yards in the diameter and when that was done I drove

in

( 26 )

in a row of stakes, not above 6 inches from each other;
& by the help of my cables which I had brought from
the ship, and such other materials as I made use of, I
made a fort of regular fortification, which I concluded
was in some measure impregnable against sudden at-
tempts, either of savages or wild beasts; & for my bet-
ter security I would have no doors, but came in by the
help of a ladder, which I made for that purpose.

Into this little garrison I carried all my store and am-
munition, and afterwards continued to work, I not
only made me a little cellar, but likewise made my for-
tification stronger by the earth and stone I dug out of
the rock. One day a shower of rain falling, attended
with thunder and lightning, I was under terrible ap-
peensions left my powder should take fire, and not
only hinder me from killing fowls which were ne-
cessary for my subsistence, but likewise blow up me and
my garrison at once: the quantity I had by me confided
of 150 lb. weight at least. Having thus established my
self as a king of the Island, I went every day with my
gun to see what I could kill that was fit to eat, and soon
perceived there were great numbers of goats, but they
were fly; however, watching them very narrowly, I
happened to shoot a fine goat as she was suckling her
young one, which, not thinking her dam was killed,
followed me home to my inclosure. I lifted the kid
over the pales, and would willingly have kept it alive,
but, the poor creature refusing to eat, I was obliged
to kill it for my subsistence.

Thus entering into as odd a state of life as ever befel
any unfortunate man, I was continually reflecting upon
the misery of my condition; till at length, considering
there was no remedy, and that I was obliged to make
the best of a bad market, and withal reflecting upon
the many turns of Providence in my particular prefer-
vation I grew more sedate and temperate.

It was, by the account I kept, the 30th of September
when

( 27 )

when I first landed on this island; about twelve days after, fearing I should lose my reckoning of time, nay even forget the Sabbath, for want of pen, ink, and paper, I carved it with a knife upon a large post, in large letters, setting it up in the similitude of a cross on the shore where I landed, viz. I came on shore, Sept. 30, 1650. Every day I cut a notch on the side of the square post, and that for the sabbath was as long again as the rest, and every first day of the month as long again as that long one. In this manner I kept my calendar, in weekly, monthly, and yearly reckoning of time; but, had I made a more strict search as I after wards did, I need not have set up this mark; for I found among the parcels belonging to the gunner, carpenter, and captain's mate, the very things I wanted, where I got not only pen and ink, but likewise sea-compasses, and other mathematical instruments; & above all the rest, three English bibles, with several other good English books, which I carefully laid up, in order to make use of them at proper intervals. But here I cannot but call to mind our having a dog and two cats on board, whom I made inhabitants with me in my castle. But, notwithstanding I was thus plentifully supplied, I still wanted several other necessaries, as needles and thread, and more particularly a pick-axe and shovel for removing the earth, &c.

It was a full year before I had finished my fortification; and after I had done that in the best manner the nature of the place and my circumstances would allow; I began to grow a little more familiar with my solitude and to consider the best methods possible to render my defolate state as easy as I could, and here it was that I began the following journal.

JOURNAL.

September 30, 1650, I was forced by shipwreck upon this defolate island which I call'd the island of Defpair;

( 28 )

pair; the next day I spent in reflecting on the miseries
of my condition, which presented to me nothing but
death, and the worth of deaths too, viz. either to be
starved for want of victuals or be devoured by wild beasts

Oct. 1. To my great comfort, I discovered the ship
driven to the shore, from which I had some hopes that
when the storm was abated I might recover something
towards my present subistence, especially, confidering
I observed the ship to lie, in a great measure upright,
and one side of her perfectly dry; upon which I fell im-
mediately to wading over the sand, and with great dif-
ficulty and danger I got on board. To the 14th of this
month I spent in making voyages backwards and for-
wards to and from the ship, the weather being all the
while very wet and uncertain.

Oct. 20. My raft with my goods was overfet, most
of which, however, I recovered at low water.

Oct. 25. It blew a storm of a storm, and rained hard,
so that the ship was dashed to pieces, and nothing of her
was to be seen but the very hull at low water; and this
day I thought proper to secure the effects I had pre-erved from the weather.

( 29 )

Oct. 26. I wandered about to try if I could find a
place proper to fix my abode in; and accordingly, to-
wards the evening, I found out a rock, where I judg-
ed I might erect a wall and fortify myself.

November 1. I placed my tent upon the side of a
rock, and took up my lodging in a hammock, very
contentedly, for that night.

Nov. 2. I made a fence about my tent with timber,
chefts, and boards.

Nov. 3. I shot two wild fowls which proved very
good meat; and in the afternoon I made me a fort
of table.

Nov. 4. I began to live regularly. In the morning I
walked out for an hour or two, and afterwards worked
till about two; then ate my dinner of such provisions as
I had; after dinner I commonly slept an hour or
two: and the weather being extremely hot, I could
not go to work till towards evening.

Nov. 5. I went out with my gun and the dog I had
brought out of the ship, I shot a wild cat, but her flesh
was good for nothing, only I preferred her skin. I saw
a great flock of wild birds, and was wonderfully terri-
fied at the fight of some monstrous feals which I saw on
the sand; but as they faw me they made off to the sea.

Nov. 9. I finished my table: from the 7th to the 12th,
the weather being fair, I worked very hard, only I
rested on the 11th, which, according to my computa-
tion I took to be Sunday.

Nov. 13. The weather being wet and stormy, with
thunder and lightning. On the 14th I made provision
for secure my powder, which I perfected on the 14 and
15th; the 17th I began to dig upon the rock, but was
prevented for want of proper implements; and on the
8th I found a tree, the wood of which was very hard,
and, out of that, with great difficulty, I made me a fort
of沙spade; in doing it I almost spoiled my axe, which
might have been of ill consequence.

Nov.

( 30 )

Nov. 23. When I had got my tools in the best order I could, I spent all my time to the tenth of December in finishing my cave, and lay in my tent every night, unless the weather was so wet that I could not lie dry, & withal, I had so well thatched it over with flags and leaves of trees, that I thought myself tolerably secure.

Dec. 10. I had no sooner finished my habitation, but a great part of the roof fell in upon me, and it was a great mercy I had not perished in the ruins: and indeed it gave me a great deal of trouble before I repaired it effectually, and after I had done what I could I spent several days in getting my things in order, and had variety of weather to the 27th.

Dec. 27. In my round I happen'd to meet some goats shot one of them and lamed another, which I led home I bound up its leg and in a little time it grew well, and was so tame and familiar that it follow'd me every where like a dog, which put a notion into my head to bring up these wild creatures, as often as I could take them alive, that I might have stock to subfift upon in case I should live after my powder was exhausted.

Dec. 28, 29, 30. The weather was so very hot, that I was forced to keep within my shelter.

January 1. Though the weather continued sultry, yet necessity compelled me to go abroad with my gun, I found great numbers of goats, but they were so very shy, I could by no means come at any one of them.

From January 3 to the 13th my busineſs was to search the island and to finish my wall. In my ſearch I found great numbers of fowls much like our English pigeons. I shot some of them which prov'd excellent food. And now a providential thing happened, which was thus:

While I was rummaging among my moveables, what should fall into my hands but a bag, which I supposed might be made use of to hold the corn for the fowls in the ship. I purpoſed to make use of it to hold some powder, and so shook out the duſt and loose corn upon

( 31 )

ord one side of the rock, not in the least suspecting the con-
ber sequence. The rain had fallen in great quantities a few
t, undays before; and the month after, to my great surprize
dry, I discovered something springing up very green and
gs and flourishing, & as I came daily to view it, I saw several
ears of green barley of the very fame size and shape of
on, but those in England.

My thoughts were very much confused at this unex-
pected fight; and, I must own I had the vanity to ima-
gine providence had ordered this on purpose for my
I spent sublidence. Great were my acknowledgments & thank-
fulness to Almighty God for his mercies to me in this
defolate place; which were infinitely brightened, when
e go at the same time I observed some rice stalks wonderful
ly green & flourishing; which made me conclude there
must be more corn in the island; and, accordingly, I
spent some days in searching the rock; when at length
it came into my mind that I had shaken the bag on the
very spot where those blades of corn were growing.

It was about the latter end of June before these ears
of corn grew ripe, and then I laid them up exceed-
ing carefully, expecting I should one day or other,
reap the benefit of this little crop, which I used all
my industry to improve; and yet it was four years
before I could eat any barley bread, and much longer
to ve before I had any benefit from my rice. After this, with
them indefatigable care and industry I finished my wall, or-
dering it so, that I had no way to go into my fortress
but by a ladder.

April 16. I finished my ladder and went up it, and
pull'd it after me, as I always did; and in truth, had so
well fortified myself, that I was as I thought, indiffe-
rently well secured against any surprize; nevertheless,
as I was one day fitting in my cave there happen'd such
a sudden earthquake, that the roof of my little fortress,
that I had finished with so much labour, came tumbling
down upon my head; upon which, with the greatest
amazement

amazement

( 32 )

amazement, I ran to my ladder, and got out of my cave
and saw the top of a vast rock fall into the sea and ex-
pected every moment the whole island would be SWall-
lowed up.

In this affright I remained for some moments, till
perceived the fury of the motion began to abate: but
was not long before I was under new apprehensions,
account of a violent tempeſt that attended it. The
dreadful ſtorm continued for about three hours, and
then follow'd ſuch heavy rain, that my tent was quic-
overflowed, upon which I concluded my habitation
to be ill ſituated, and determined, as soon as poffible,
to build me one in a more convenient place.

April 29, 30, were ſpent in contriving how and
what manner I ſhould fix my new abode: and herein
was under the greatest concern: having no tools fitting
for ſuch an undertaking: however, I ſpent ſeveral da-
ies in whetting and grinding my tools.

May 1. As I was walking along the ſea-side I found
a barrel of gunpowder, and divers broken pieces of the
ſhip, which the violence of the late ſtorm had thrown on
the land. I saw likewise the remaining part of the ſhip,
thrown up by the tempeſt very near the shore, and to-
ſolved to get her as soon as I could, but at that time
I found it impracticable.

I continued to work upon the wreck till the 24th, and
every day recovered ſomething that would be of uſe to
me, and got together ſo many planks, &c. ſo much iron,
lead, and other neceſſaries, that if I had had tools and
ſkill, I might have built me a boat which was a thing
very much wanted.

June 16. As I was strolling towards the ſea, I found
a large turtle: the 17th I ſpent in cooking it: I found
in her 70 eggs, and the ſlesh the moſt delicious that
ever I taſſed; the 18th I stayed within the whole day,
there being a continual rain, with ſtorms of wind,
and lightning.

From

( 33 )

From the 19th to the 27th of June, I was very sick and had got a terrible ague, which often held me for some or ten hours with extreme violence.

On the 27th, I began to recover a little, but became very rettles in the night; and worse. As often as I laid my eyes together, I was tormented with hideous dreams and dreadful apparitions. It is impoffible for me to express the agonies I was under from those repeated additions, as I took them to be. My father's advice and reproof came in my mind, whether I would or not, and shocked me exceedingly, and would often make me effect that the justice of God followed me, and that severe punishment was justly owing to my disobedience and wicked life.

June 28. I flept pretty well most part of the night, which refreshed me very much: in the morning I ate biscuit and drank some water mixt with rum. I boil'd piece of goat's flesh for my dinner but ate very little, and at night, I supped upon three of my turtle's eggs, after supper I attempted to walk out with my gun, but found myself too weak and return'd to my habitation. Here conscience flew in my face, reproached me as a leatherner: for saying in my agonies, what have I done, to be distinguished in all this scene of misery! I thought I heard a voice answering me, Ungrateful stretch! dare you ask what have you done? look to your life, & then ask thyself, why thou wert not drown'd in Yarmouth Road, or killed by the Sallee Rovers? why not devoured by wild beasts in the deferts of Africa, orROWNED here with the rest of thy companions?

Struck dumb with these severe reflections, and fearing the return of my ague I began at length to confide that was proper to be done to free myself from this stower: and having heard that the Brafil'ians use tobacco for most of their diseases, I resolved to try this experiment.

tried several ways with the tobacco: first I took a leaf and

( 34 )

and chewed it, which made me very sick, and almost
stupified me; then I steeped it in rum, refolding to take
a good dose of it when I went to bed, and then I put
some into a pan and burnt it, holding my nose over the
smoke as long as I could endure it without suffocation.
After these several operations, I fell into a sweat, and
 Slept quietly thirteen or fourteen hours; and when I
came up in the morning, I found my spirits revived, my
mach much better, and I grew exceedingly hungry,
which I had not been for some time past: in short,
missed my fit the next day, and found that I every day
 grew stronger and better.

The 30th, I ventured out with my gun, and killed
fowl not much unlike a brand goose, but did not eat
the flesh, chusing rather to dine upon two or three
my turtle's eggs. In the evening I renewed my med-
cine; notwithstanding which I'd a little spice of my
the next day; and, therefore, on the 2nd of July, I took
my medicine as I did at 1st. on the 14th, which was the
day I expected the return of my fit, the ague left me,
which was no small joy to me: and indeed the goodne-
of God on this occasion, affected me so sensibly, that
fell on my knees and returned thanks in a most
dout and solemn manner.

July 4. I walk'd out with my gun; but my distem-
having redu'd me very low I could go but a little
at a time; for the experiments having weakened
exceedingly, I was able to walk but a very short way
once. I had now been in the island about ten months
and all the while had not seen either man or woman,
and so growing better, I began to think myself
monarch of the isle; and growing indifferently well
I resolved to take a tour about the isle; in order to
the extent of my dominions, and to make what
coveries I could.

On the 15th I began my journey: and among other
things, I found a little brook of running water, on
the

( 35 )

banks of which were many pleafant meadows covered with grafs; I saw ſeveral ſtalks of tobacco and other plants I knew nothing of: among the reſt I found ſome ſugar-canes, ſeveral plants of aloe-wands, &c. With theſe discoveries I returned well ſatisfied to my little caſtle, and ſlept that night very comfortably.

The next day, going the ſame way, and farther than before, I found the country full of wood, and exceedingly pleafant and delightful. The melons lay upon the ground in great quantities, and cluſters of grapes hung upon the trees. You may imagine I was glad of this diſcovery yet ate very ſparingly, left I ſhould throw myſelf into a flux or a fever.

The night coming on I climbed up into a tree, and having fixed myſelf as ſecurely as poffible, ſlept very comfortably tho' it was the firſt time I'd ever lain out of my habitation. When the morning came I proceeded with the greateſt pleafure about four miles farther, and at the end of the valleys I found a ſpring of excellent water & the country all round the moſt beautiful I ever saw; & now I resolved to lay in as much of the fruits as poffible.

July 18. Having prepar'd two bags I return'd thither again, in order to bring home to my caſtle as much of the ſeveral forts of fruit as I could that I might have a ſtock by me againſt I ſhould want it. And now I began to reflect, this part of the illand was infinitely the beſt to inhabit in; but then I thought at the fame time, that if I removed from my preſent place of abode, I ſhould loſe the profit of the ſea; and so if providence ſhould direct a ſhip on that coast I ſhould loſe all hopes of deliverance. However the place was so delightful I resolved to build me a kind of bower, which took me up the remainder of July.

Here it was I dried my grapes, which I afterwards carried to my old habitation, for a winter ſupply. On the 14th of Aug. the rain began to fall with great violence

( 36 )

lence, that for several days I could not stir out of my
cave, till I was constrained to it by the pure want of
food, I went out twice, the first time I shot a goat, and
the second time I found another turtle, as large as
the former.

September 30. Cafting up the notches on the post,
which amounted to 365, I concluded this to be the an-
niversary of my landing; and after I had returned
thanks for my wonderful preservation in this defolatè
island, I went to bed and slept very comfortably.

Before I proceed farther in my journal, I must take
the liberty to put the reader in mind of the barley and
rice: I had faved about thirty stalks of the former, and
twenty of the latter; and concluding the season to be
proper, I dug up some ground with my wooden spade,
and sowcd it; which at the proper time grew up, and
answered my expectations.

The wet weather was no sooner gone, but my incli-
nation led me again to the bower I had built on the
other side of the island which I found whole and entire
as I had left it, and the stakes all growing much after
the nature of our willows, which in time made me a
noble fence, and I shall have occasion to observe more
particularly hereafter.

And now I conceived that the feasons of the year
might be divided into wet and dry, and not into fum-
mer and winter, as in Europe; as thus :

Half Febru. March April Half April May June July Half August Half August September Half October
wet, the fun coming near the Equinox
dry. the fun getting north of the line.
wet, the fun being come back.

( 37 )

Half October
November
December
January

} dry, the fun running south of the line.

And as the wind continued to blow, the wet seasons would continue either longer or shorter. After making these and the like observations, I always took care to provide necessaries, that I might stay within during the wetness of the weather, and in that time I took care to make me such tools as I most wanted.

The first thing I attempted was to make me a basket, which, after much labour and difficulty I affected; but the two things I most wanted were utterly out of my power, viz. some cauls to hold my liquors, and small pots to boil and stew my meat; and also a tobacco-pipe, for which I at last found out a remedy.

After the weather grew fair, my farther resolution of viewing the whole island took place. Accordingly, taking my dog and gun and other necessaries proper, I set forward; and having passed the vale where my bower flood, I came within sight of the sea lying to the W. and when it was clear day, I could discover land, but could not tell whether it was an island or a continent: neither could I tell what place this might be: only I thought it was in America & consequently that part of the country that lies between the Spanish territories and the Brazils, which abounded with canibals who devour human kind.

In viewing this part of the island I found it was much more pleasant and fruitful than where I had pitch'd my tent: here were great numbers of parrots and with great difficulty I got one of them, which I carried home with me, but it was a great while before I could name it and bring it to speak, even so much as call me by my name.

In the low grounds I found plenty of hares and foxes and abundance of fowls of different kinds, with great quantities of grapes and other excellent fruits. In this

B

expedition

( 38 )

expedition I did not travel above two miles a day, being defirous of making what discoveries I could. When I came to the sea shore, I was amazed to see it exceedingly beautiful and so full of excellent fifth; but tho' this journey was so delightful to me yet my secret inclination led to my old habitation: so after I had set up a fort of land-mark for my guide for the future, I concluded to return back by a different way from that I came; and as I was making the best of my way, my dog happened to surprize a kid, which I rescued from him, and led it to my bower, in order to try if I could raise a breed, which at some time or other I was satisfied would be of great use to me.

After I had been about a month upon this expedition, I returned to my little castle, and repaid myself in my hammock, and continued a week within to red and refresh myself.

And now I began to think of the kid I had left in the bower, and resolved immediately to fetch it home. When I came there I found it almost starved, so feeding it with the branches of such shrubs as I could find the poor creature, in gratitude for its deliverance, followed me, as naturally as my dog, quite home to my castle, and I afterwards kept it as one of my domesticated

The wet season being come, I kept myself within and on the 30th of September, being the third year of my abode in this island, I paid my solemn acknowledgments to Almighty God for my preservation, &c. attained myself with a world of reflections upon my former and present condition: and as I was one morning fadily pondering upon my present state, I happened open my Bible, when I fixed my eyes on these words, will neither leave thee nor forfale thee; which I presently took as directed to myself: and I must own the expression gave me a deal of secret satisfaction.

The beginning of this year I fixed my daily employment as follows: the morning I spent in my devotions.

H

( 39 )

and paying my duty to God: after I had done that, I went out with my gun to seek provisions; which, after I had got it, took me up some time in dressing and cooking: in the middle of the day I was forced to lay by, by reason of the excessive heat; and the rest of the time was spent in contriving necessaries as I stood most in need of.

But now the time of my little harvest coming on, I had the desirable prospect of a good crop but my hopes were sadly disappointed by the goats and hares, which having tasted the sweetmeats of my corn, had cropp'd it so close that it had not strength to shoot up to a stalk. To prevent this I was forced to make a hedge round it but I had no sooner done this than I was infested with vermin of another sort: my back was no sooner turn'd but whole flocks of birds came and destroyed what the others had left. I let fly at these and killed 3 of them which I hung upon stakes as a terror to the rest; and this project had so good an effect, that they not only forlook the corn, but that part of the island for ever after.

My corn growing ripe, and harvest coming on, I cut it down and carried home the ears; and after I had rubbed them, and thrashed them in the best manner I could, as near as I could conjecture, the produce of the barley was about two bushels and a half, and that the rice much about the same quantity: and now I plainly saw, by the providence of God, I should be supplied with corn, though at the same I wanted all manner of necessaries for making it into bread; which with the greatest labour and difficulty I afterwards supplied.

My feed being thus increased, my next care was to prepare more land to sow it in; and accordingly I fixed upon two large plats on the back side of my castle, in which I sow'd my feed, and fenced it with a good hedge to defend it from the vermin.

B 2

In

( 40 )

In short, my corn increafed to that degree, that I
thought I might now venture to eat some of it; but
how to make it into bread was still the difficulty; and
yet even this I found means to furmount at half, and
so, as in all other emergencies, I found a remedy be
yond my expectation.

After I had procured every thing needful for making
my bread, which you may imagine was no small faſt
ſaction, the proſpect of land, which I had seen from the
other side of the island, ran still in my mind; but how
I should come at it I was utterly at a loss to know.
I tried to recover the ship's boat, and then to make a
canoe, but all in vain; and here I could not help re-
flecting upon the folly of those who undertake matter
they are unacquainted with.

I was in the midſt of my projects, when the fourth
year expired ſince I had been cast on the island; nor did
I torget to keep my anniversarſy with that ſolemnity and
devotion that I had done the year before. I began to
think myſelf ſeparated from the world, and from all op-
portunities of friendly converſation. I had nothing to
cover, being as it were an emperer or king of a whole
country, where I had nobody to controul me, nor any
tody to govern but myſelf.

These thoughts made me look upon the things of
this world with a fort of religious contempt, and rendered me easy in my desolate and melancholy condition
for, having made God's mercies to me a matter of the
highest consolation, I relinquſhed all gloomy thought
and diſmal apprehensions, and reſigned my ſelf up en-
tirely to God's providence.

My ink was quite gone, and my biscuit almost ex-
hauſted; my linen was worn out, only ſome of the fa-
ſor checked ſhirts remained, which were of might
ſuse to me in hot weather; my cloaths & hat were quite
worn, but those I ſupplied by the help of my goat-like
of which I first inadſ me a ſort of a cap, & then a wall-
coat,

( 41 )

coat, and open kneed breeches, with the hair on the
outside: and thus being perfectly easy in my mind, I
spent my time in contemplating the bleffing of Heaven
and was ravished to think that at one time or other I
might be delivered from my prelent misfortunes, and
placed out of the reach of them for ever.

For five years after this nothing worth mentioning
happened, only at spare times I had finished a small
canoe, with which, at all hazards, I resolved to try to
discover the circumference of my dominions; & in order
to it, I put provisions on board, with ammunition,
and all other necessaries fit for the expedition.

It was the 16th of November the 9th year of my
reign, that I began this voyage which was much longer
than I expected, by reason I had many difficulties to
encounter I did not suspect: and indeed the rocks were
so high, and ran so far into the sea, that I often resolved
to turn back, rather than to run the risk of
being driven so far out to sea as by no means to be
able to get back again.

In this confusion I came to an anchor as near to the
shore as possible, to which I waded, and climbing up
to the top of a high hill, I viewed the extent of the
dominions, and, at all hazards, resolved to pursue my
voyage. It is endless to relate what danger my rafines
exposed me to. I was driven by the current so far
into the sea that I had hardly any prospect of getting
back again; not by all I could do with my paddles,
which I had made to supply the place of sculls to help
me; and now had no prospect but perishing at sea when
my provisions were spent, or if a storm should arise
before. However by the lucky chance of the wind,
or rather by the particular providence of God, I was
driven back to the island, and to my unspeakable joy,
I came on shore: where being exceedingly fatigued with
watching an hard labour, I laid me down took a
little repose. After I awoke, and had dressed myself

B 3

93

{ 42 }

as usual, I laid up my boat in a small convenient creek
fit for my purpose and taking my gun, &c. I made
the best of my way to my bower, where I again laid
me down to rest, but it was not long before I was fur-
prised with a voice which called, Robin Crufoe! poor
Robin Crufoe! where have you been Robin Crufoe?
upon which I started up in great confusion, and casting
my eyes round. I saw my parrot sitting upon the hedge
and then I knew it was she that called me, but was
strangely surprised how the creature came there, and
why it should fix upon that place above the rest. The
bird came to me as soon as I called it, and perched up-
on my finger as usual, and seemed to signify a great
deal of joy at my return.

This voyage had cured me of a great deal of my ram-
bling inclination, infomuch that I began to lay aside
all hopes of deliverance, so I led a retired life, and in a
contented manner passed away near twelve months,
spending my time in making instruments, and doing
such things as I found were most absolutely necessary
both for my present and future subsistence.

My next consideration was, my powder growing short
what I should do to kill the goats and fowls to live upon.
I had abundance of contrivances in my head to try to
catch the goats alive, particularly the she goats with
young; and at length I had my desire, for making pits,
and baiting them with some of my corn, one
morning I found in one of them an old goat, and in
the other three young ones, one male and two females.

The old one was too strong for me, and I could not
tell how to master him; but the kids I made a shift to
get to my habitation. It was a good while before I could
make them feed, but after they had for some time been
kept without food, and I threw them some fresh corn,
and gave them some water, their stomachs came to them.
And my next care was to find them pasture, and fe-
cure them so that they might not run away: all which I

( 43 )

at last effected: & withal, by my well using these poor creatures, I had made them so tame and familiar, that they would follow me, and eat corn out of my hand. This having answered my ends, I think in about eighteen months time, I had got a flock of about twelve : and in less than two years forty-three, and now I was not only provided with goat's flesh, but milk also, which was another blessing I had little reason to expect.

Being thus happy, and having almost forgot all hopes of liberty, I lived as well as the nature of my condition could possibly allow: and indeed it was a very diverting fight to see me fit in state at my dinner, all alone by myself, like a king: and it would have been a very pleasing object to have seen me in my goat's skin drels, and other suitable habiliments.

My chief concern was now about my boat, which I was extremely unwilling to lose, it having cost me so much hard labour, I went by land to the place where I left it, but found there was no way to bring it off without running the fame risque I was so lately exposed to, which I thought too dangerous for a second experiment: and therefore I resolved upon another expeditious, which was to make me another canoe, and leave it on the other side of the island.

And here I think it may not be improper to inform the reader that I had two plantations in the island: the first was my little fort or castle, where I had made several improvements; and the second was my bower or country seat, where were my grapes, and the enclosure for my goats, and several other conveniences, that made it a very pleasant and agreeable retirement.

To this place it was that I used to go often to view my goats: and now I shall relate a matter that gave me the most disquiet of any thing I had met with since my first coming into the island.

It may be well supposed that after I had been so long in this desolate part of the world nothing could have

been

B 4

( 44 )

I seen more amazing than to have seen any human creature; but one day as I was going to my boat, as usual, I perceived on the sand, the print of a man's naked foot & had I seen an apparition, I could not have been more terrified. I looked round me on all sides, but could not see any thing. I observed the impreʃſion, and was convinced that some foot larger than my own had been there, and in the deepest confusion I returned back to my habitation.

That night I never closed my eyes, and was full of the most dreadful apprehenſions I ever had in all my life. Sometimes I had the folly to think it must be the devil; at other times I thought it rather some savage, that the current had driven in, and not lik ing the place was secretly gone off to sea again. Happy was I in my thoughts that none of these savages had seen me; & yet at the same time I was greatly terrified left they should have seen my boat, and so would come in great numbers, and find me out and devour me, and my little stock that I had been so long in gathering. These thoughts afflicted me extremely; and yet after mature consideration, I concluded it was my best way to throw myself upon the Sovereign Governor of the world, and to submit entirely to his mercy and providence.

After a world of fears and apprehenſions for three
nights & days I ventured out of my fortrefs: I milked
my goats and after I had put every thing in order, not
without the greatest consternation, I went again to the
shore, to make my farther observations; and upon the
whole, concluded that either the island was inhabited,
or that some person had been on shore, and that I
might be surprized before I was aware.

This put several rightful notions into my head info-
much that sleep was an entire stranger to me. My
whole thoughts being taken up on nothing but my
prefervation, I put my little castle into the best po-
ture of defence I was able, and placed all my guns to
that

that
fiong
and
the
whil
tern
but
ing

I was
verely
bodied
of w
this
faci-
Th
confu
age
yet f
two
and
for
that

( 45 )

that they might be serviceable, if I should have occasion to make use of them.

I divided my goats into several parcels; ten the goats and two the ones I put into one part of the island, and the other ten with the two ones, in another; and while I was in search of the latter, which was on the western part of the island, I thought I discovered a boat but at too great a distance to make out what she was. Being come to the shore, on the S. W. part of the island.

I was convinced they were savages, seeing the place covered over with the sculls and mangled limbs of human bodies, I observed also a fort of a circle, in the midst of which I perceived there had been a fire. About this I conjectured these wretches fat, and unnaturally sacrificed and devoured their fellow-creatures.

The horror and loathfulness of this dreadful spectacle confounded me so, that though I was satisfied these savages never came in that part of the island where I was, yet such an abhorrence of them had seized me, that for two years I confined me to my castle, my country seat, and my inclosures! & thus my circumstances remained for some time undisturbed; but still my grand intention

B 5

tion

( 46 )

tion remained, which was to try if I could destroy some
of those lavages, and save a victim that I might after-
wards make my servant.

Many were my projects and contrivances to bring this
about; at length I came to this settled resolution, to lie
privately inambusc, in some convenient place, and let
fly upon them with my guns first, and then with my
pistols and sword in hand: and so much did this pro-
posal please my fancy, that I fully resolved to put it in
practice the first opportunity; and accordingly I soon
found a place convenient for my purpose; but at the
fame time, I had several checks of confidence, and rea-
sonings with myself, concerning the law, fulneſs & juſt-
tice of the attempt; and after a long debate, I con-
cluded to lay aside the design.

Whilest I was cutting down some wood one day, to
make charcoal to drefs my meat, and to do the family
necellaries, I perceived a very large cavity; and going
towards it I diſtinguished two large eyes staring upon
me, upon which I made hafe out extremely terrified,
not imagining what it could be that looked so frightful,
however, after I had recovered the Surprize, I went
again into the cavity, resolving at all hazards to fee
what it was; and when I came near enough to discern
it perfectly, what should it be after all, but a monstrous
he goat lying on the ground, and gasping for life,
thro' more old age.

The creature was not able to fand, and so I let him
lie undisturbed, and employed myself in viewing the
place, and making obſervations. At the farther side of
it I discovered a fort of an entrance, but so low as to
oblige me to creep on my hands and knees: I had
no candle, and the place was dark, and so I suspended
my enterprise till the next day, when I returned with
fix large ones of my own making.

And after I had paffed the strait I found the roof
rotte higher up; and sure when I got further in, no
mortal

( 47 )

Some mortal ever saw a more beautiful fight ! the walls and
the roof reflected a thousand lights from my 2 candles;
and indeed it seemed to me the most delightful grotto
this I had ever heard of; in short I could find no fault but
to lie in the entrance, which I thought would be very ne-
dle cellary for my defence and security; therefore I deter-
mined to make the place my principal magazine; and
accordingly I carried thither, with the utmost expedi-
tion, some arms and ammunition, judging it impossible
for me to be surprized by the savages in that land.

I think I was now in the 23rd year of my reign, and tolerably easy in my condition; by this time my parrot had learnt to talk English very well, & many diverting hours we used to spend together; my dog died of old age, and my cats encreased so fast, I was often forced to destroy some of them left I should be over-run with their numbers. I always kept 2 or 3 domestic goats about me, and had several fowls that built & bred about my castle, so I wanted nothing but an honest companion or 2 to make me as happy as I could wish. But alas ! what unforeseen events destroy the certain enjoyments of human happiness !

It was now December the time of my harvest, when going out one morning early, there appeared to me from the shore about two miles distance from me, a flaming light from the part of the island where I had before observed some savages had been on my side of the water.

Terrified with this unusual spectacle, and being under difmal apprehensions that these savages would find me out, and destroy me, I went directly home to my castle, & shut myself up as fast as I could, & put myself into a posture of defence; and afterwards I got up to the top of the rock and viewing with my respective glafs, I could discern no less than nine naked savages sitting round a fire and eating (as I supposed) human flesh with their two canoes hauled on thore waiting for the tide to carry them back again.

B 6

Nothing

{ 48 }

Nothing can express my detestation of so horrid a fight, especially when I found they were gone and I had been at the place of sacrifice, and saw the limbs and fleth of human creatures lie torn and mangled on the ground; in short my indignation against them rose so high, that let the consequence be what it would I determined to be revenged on the first that should come thither; so I lost my life in the attempt.

I found afterwards that they did not come over to this island very often: and as near as I can remember, it was a year or more before I again saw any of them. But before I proceed farther, I have another account that will deserve the readers' attention.

It was the 16th of May, according to my wooden calendar, after a very terrible storm, when I was alarmed with the noise of a gun as fired from a ship in distress upon which I immediately took my glasses and went up to the top of the rock, where I had not been a moment but a flame of fire gave notice of another gun, and then I was confirm'd in my opinion; it could be nothing less than a ship in distress; which with my glasses I soon discovered to be true; and that the wreck was upon those hidden rocks, where I was in great danger of being lost in my boat.

I made a fire on the hill by way of signal, and they saw it, and answered it with several guns. The weather was very hazy and so I could not at that time discover either at what distance the ship lay, or what she was; but the weather clearing up, I saw a ship cast away some distance at sea.

I had several notions concerning them, as is natural in such cases; but considering seriously the place where they were and all other circumstances, I could not conceive any possibility but that they must be all lost, and indeed to the last year of being in this island, I never knew any that were faved out of this ship; I only saw the body of a boy which was driven on shore, but I

( 49 )

could not discover by him of what nation they were.

The sea was now very calm which teeming me to venture to the wreck, not only in hopes to get something I wanted, but likewise if there was any body left alive in the ship, to endeavour to save their lives. This resolution so far prevailed, that I went home immediately, and got every thing ready for the voyage; and accordingly after a great deal of labour, hazard, and difficulty I at length got to the wreck, which I beheld with the greatest pity and concern. By her build I found she was a Spaniard, and had ensured a terrible conflict before she was lost.

When I was come near to her, I saw a dog on board who upon perceiving me, fell to yelping and howling and I no sooner called to him, but the poor creature jumped into the sea and swam to me. I took him into the boat almost famished. When I came into the ship the first fight that I beheld was two drowned men in the arms of each other; I found she was a rich ship and as I had reason to believe, bound home from the Spanish West Indies: what became of the rest of the sailors I could not tell, there being none of their bodies on board besides the two beforementioned.

As I was rummaging about her, I found several things I wanted, viz. a fire shovel and tongs, two brafs kettles a pot to make chocolate, some horns of fine glazed powder, a gridiron, and several other necessaries. These I put on board my boat, together with two chefts and a cask of rum, and after a great deal of toil and difficulty I got safe back to the island.

I repos'd myself that night in the boat, and the next day landed my cargo, which I carried to my grotto: and having examin'd my effects, I found in the 2 chefts several things I wanted, particularly some shirts & handkerchiefs; I found also three bags of pieces of eight all which I would willingly have given for five or fix pair of English shoes and stockings.

B 7

After

( 50 )

After I had flowed all this new cargo in my cave; I
made the best of my way to my castle, and found every
thing as I left it, so that I had nothing to do but to re-
pose myself and take care of my domestics. And now,
wanting nothing that was requisite for to support life,
I might have lived very quiet, had not the apprehen-
sion of the savages disturbed me, upon which account
I seldom went far abroad, if I did it was in the eastern
part of the island where I well knew they never came;
and for two years I lived in this anxious condition;
my head being always full of projects how I might
get away from this desolate place.

As I observed before, tho' I was tolerably secure
against the risk of want, and had all the diversion the
nature of the place would allow, yet the thoughts of
my deliverance were still uppermost, as the reader will
easily perceive by the following relation, in which I
shall give a short account of the schemes and projects
I made for my escape.

As I lay in my bed one night in March, the 24th year
of my solitude, I ran thro' all the accounts of my life
from my very first remembrance to the present time,
and found all along that the providence of God had
been exceedingly kind and merciful to me, and when
I considered more particularly how many dangers I had
passed it could not but make me devoutly thankful to
my great deliverer without whose assistance I must
inevitably have perished.

After I had thus briefly debated with myself on my
present and former condition, I began next to consider
the nature of these savages, and the country they in-
habited, how far it was to the place from whence they
came and what boats they had to bring them over
hither, and at the same time had some notions to go
over to their side, to see what discoveries I could make.
I had notions that if by any method I could get upon
the continent, I might in time meet a ship to carry
me

( 51 )

me to Europe : for here I looked upon myself to be the
most miserable man living, and prefer'd even death
itself to my stay in this desolate island. Whilst my
thoughts were thus confused, I had no notion of any
thing but my voyage to the continent ! and indeed so
much was I inflam'd with these notions, I in great mea-
fure forgot my duty to God, & was reduced almost to
a state of despiration, & after many thoughts & strug-
lings in my mind, I came at length to this conclusion
viz. that the only probable way I had to escape was to
get one of these savages; which I could find no other way
to bring about than by venturing my life to save him
from the jaws of his devourers, which I thought must
inspire him with gratitude to his preserver.

These were my fix'd resolutions; I think it was at least
a year and a half before I could find an opportunity of
putting them in execution. To the best of my remem-
brance it was the 23rd of April early in the morning,
when I was surpris'd with the fight of 5 canoes all on
shore together on my side of the island, & the creatures
that belonged to them all landed and out of fight.

At first I thought all these boats must bring too many
to be attacked by one person, & was in a mighty con-
fusion as to what was best to be done; however being
impatient to see some of their management. I took my
guns and went secretly to the top of the hill, where by
the help of my perspective glaſſ, I observ'd no less than
thirty fitting round a fire & teasting upon what meat
they had dress'd, what it was I could not distinguiſh but
they were all dancing around the flames, and using
many rightful and barbarous gestures.

Whilst I was looking earnestly on these wretches, I
could discern them dragging a miserable creatures out
of one of their boats. It was not long before I saw one
of them knocked down and three or four of them fell
to cutting & mangling his body in order to devour
him as they had done the former.

B 8

Whilst

( 52 )

Whilst the other miserable creature stood expecting every moment the fate of his companion, inspired with the hopes of life, he gave a sudden start from them & ran with great swiftness towards my castle, I was under great apprehensions that I would fly to my grove for protection. I was glad to see he had the heels of them and from his swiftness concluded he would presently lose fight of them and save his life. There was a little creek just before him, where I was afraid the victim would be taken if he could not swim; but it happened that he swam well, soon got over, & run again with his former strength & swiftness. Two of the 3 that followed him, swam over to him, but the other that could not swim returned back to his associates. And now or never I thought it was time to procure a salvage for my companion. Accordingly with all the speed

I could come down from the rock, took up my 2 guns resolving to save the victim if possible, and in order to it came a nearer way & put myself between the pursuers and the pursued, beckoning to the latter to stand still who you must imagine was not a little surprised at me. The first pursuer I knock'd down with the stock of my piece

( 53 )

piece, and the other who I perceived was preparing his
bow and arrow to shoot me, I let fly at, and killed
him dead upon the spot.

The poor frighten'd Indian was amazed to see the fire
and hear the noise of the gun, however I made signs to
him to come to me, which at length he did, but not with
out a great deal of fear and trembling, being afraid, I
believe, I should kill him too. I did all I could to con-
vince him of his mistake, and at length to far succeeded
by the signs I made him, that he came to me and threw
himself at my feet and took one of them, and put it
upon his head; which was a token it seems, of his re-
solution to be my slave for ever: upon which I took
him up, made much of him, and encouraged him in
the best manner I could.

By this time I saw the savage I had knocked down
began to recover and was fitting upright, which made
my new slave as much afraid as before; but I soon pre-
vented his fright by presenting my piece at him, but
my savage opposed my shooting him, making a sign to
me to lend him my sword which hung by my side, and
no sooner had I granted his request, but away he ran to
his enemy, and very dexterously at one blow, cut off
his head, and as a token of triumph brought it to me,
together with my sword, and laid it at my feet.

The greatest astonishment my new servant was in, was,
how I killed the savage at that distance, without a bow
and arrow; & to satisfy himself in that matter he made
signs to me to let him go and view the body, which I
granted; after he had turned him, & viewed the wound
the bullet had made in his breast, he took up his bow
and arrows and came back to me again, making signs to
me to give him leave to bury him, which, with my
content he performed very dexterously.

When I perceived he had done, I called him away,
and carried him to my cave, where I gave him victuals
and pointed to him to lie down upon some of his, and

B 9

take

( 54 )

take a little rest. He was a very handsome well proportioned fellow, and in all respects the most beautiful Indian I ever saw.

I think he had not spent above an hour before he came out of the cave to me as I was milking my goats, and again threw himself at my feet, and put my other foot on his head, as a further token that he intended to be my slave for ever.

That night we staid in the cave; but early the next morning I made signs to him to rife and go with me, and withal made him to understand that his name was to be Friday, it being on that day I saved his life, and that I intended to give him some cloaths to hide his nakedness. As we passed by the place where the savages were buried, he pointed directly to the graves, and let me know by his gestures that he intended to dig them up and devour them, upon which I let him see I was extremely displeased at it, and made him come away which he did with the greatest reverence.

In our way to the castle, we went to the top of a hill to view if the savages were gone, and finding they were, we refreshed ourselves that night, and the next morning I resolved to arm myself, and take my man with me & go to view the spot where they committed their barбиeries. When we came upon the spot it was impossible to express the horribledness of the fight! here lay the flesh and entrails, & there the mangled limbs of human creatures, in short, it filled me with the greatest horror & detestation. Friday gave me to understand there were 3 sacrificed there; and if I had not rescued him, he had been the fourth. I made him gather up the fragments and lay them in a heap & made a fire upon them and burnt them to ashes; and still I found my man had a hankering after some of the flesh, which I resented with the utmost abhorence, and made him understand that if ever I found him guilty of any such inhumanity I would certainly shoot him.

After

( 55 )

After this we went to my cattle, where I cloathed my man as well as the nature of the place and my circumstances would allow. He seemed at first rather uneafly & awkward in his new dres; but after he had worn it 4 or 5 days, he grew familiar with it, and seemed well satisfied. Now my next concern was how I might lodge him well and yet be easy myself; and in order to this, I erected him a little tent between my 2 fortifications, secured my arms every night, and made every thing so safe that it was impossible for me to be surpriz'd, tho' I must at the same time own there was no need of these cautions; for never was a man bleffed with a servant that lov'd & obey'd him with greater tenderneſs, fidelity, & affection; which endeared him to me extremely, and induced me to think how I might beſt acquit myself to him.

I had not been above two or three days in my cattle when I proposed to bring him off from his barbarous inclinations to human flesh, in order to which I used several inticements, till the poor creature, who had the most dutiful and tender regard to every thing I commanded him, and indeed did not want good sense, was perfectly weaned from his vicious inclination, and had as deep and fixed an abhorrence of any such barbarous proceedings as myself: he fell upon his knees, made several signs of his aversion he poſsibly could, pronouncing many things I did not understand, only in the main, I found that his only apprehensions were from the fear I should shoot him; for the thoughts of the gun, and the manner of the execution it did were still in his mind, & he could by no means be reconcil'd to it; not even so much as touch it with his finger; for some days, and I believe if I had not prevented it, would have paid a fort of adoration: he would go to it as often as my back was turned, and talk to it in his own dialect; the intent of which was, to defire it not to kill him.

I killed a kid which we brought home, and the next day

( 56 )

day I gave him some of the flesh both boiled & roasted
with which he was to much delighted, that he gave me
signs which I perfectly understood, that whilst he liv'd
he would never more eat man's flesh on any account,
and now I began to think it high time to let my servant,
to work, especially confidering I had now two months
to feed instead ot one. I found him exceedingly quick
& handy in every thing I let him about ; and he had
the fene to make me understand I had more labour on
my hands on his account than that I had for myself, &
he would spare no pains nor diligence in any thing I
should command or direct, & indeed the fellow's ho-
neſtly & ſimple integrity grew ſo conſpicuous, I really
began to love him entirely, & for his part I am well
aſſured there was no love lost. I'd a mind to know if
he had any inclination to his own country; & having
taught him as much English as possible I aſk'd him some
queſtions which he anſwer'd very pertinently; particu-
larly I aſked concerning the nature and diſtance of his
country, and their manner of fighting &c. The fellow
had a good natural genius, and would often anſwer
my queſtions with very quick and ſurprizing turns, &
when I ſpoke about religion, he heard me with the
greateſt reverence and attention, and would often ſur-
prize me with important and unexpeſted queſtions, &
in truth I ſpared no pains to inſtruct him according to
the beſt of my knowledge. I aſk'd him who made him
and all the world ? as ſoon as he understood me he an-
ſwer'd Old Benamuchee ; but all that he could ſay of
him was, that he was very old, much older than the sea
and land, the moon and stars, and that he lived a
great way beyond them all.

When I had enquir'd into the manner of ſerving their
God I proceeded according to the beſt of my knowledge
to inſtruct him the principles of the Chriſtian Religion,
& laid before him ſeveral of the chief truths on which
it was grounded, to which he gave the greatest at-


rention

( 57 )

tention, and would ask very pertinent questions by way
of information, In short I soon perceived this poor crea-
ture every day improve by my instructions; & my en-
deavours to teach him were a great help to myself, &
brought those things fresh into my memory which the
length of time had almost defaced; so I had the greatest
reason to blefs providence sending him to me in my
state of solitude. His company allayed the thoughts of
my misery, and made my habitation more comfortable
than it had been ever since my first coming to the is-
land. It brought in my mind daily notions of heaven
and heavenly things, and filled me with a secret joy,
that I was brought in this place which I once thought
the most miserable part of the universe.

By this time Friday began to speak tolerable English
though a little broken. We conversed with great fami-
liability; & I took a particular pleasure to relate to him
the several accidents and adventures of my life. I soon
made him understand the wonderful mystery as he con-
ceived it, of the gun-powder and ball, and taught him
to shoot, which he learnt in the greatest perfection,
I gave him a knife which he was very proud of, also a
belt and a hatchet, which he hung to his girdle, which
with his other accoutrements made him look like Don
Quixote, when he went to fight the wind-mills. After
this I gave him a particular description of Europe &
Old England, the place of my birth; above all the rest,
I also gave him an account of my being shipwreck'd
and took him and shew'd him the ruins of the ship's
boat, which though it was rotten and almost fallen to
pieces, yet I could perceive he took particular notice
of; which made me ask him the reason why he pon-
dered so much. O master said he, me see like boat come
to place to my nation. It presently came in my mind
that it must be some European boat that was forced
there by streffs of weather, after the lofts of the ship;
which made me enquire what sort of a boat it was,

Friday

r 58 )

Friday replied with great warmth and ardour, O maſter we fave white mans from drown: upon which I aſked him if there were any white mans as he call'd them in the boat ? yes, ſaid he, the boat full, were full of white mans. How many Friday, ſaid I ? whereupon he numbered his fingers and counted seventeen. Then I aſked what became of them all, and whether they lived or not? he replied yes maſter, they all live, they live 'mong my nation. Upon which it came into my thoughts that theſe muſt be the crew that belonged to the ſhip that was caſt away on my iſland, who rather than be devoured in the ocean, had committed themſelves to Providence, and was driven athore among the wild Indians. The notion I had of their cruelties made me aſk Friday how it came to pafs they did not kill & eat them. No, ſaid Friday, they not kill 'em, they make brother with 'em, my nation, th'other nation, no eat mans but when mans make war fight. As much as to ſay that his nor any other nation ever ate their fellow creaſtures but ſuch as the law of arms allowed to be devoured, and they were only thofe whose misfortune it was to be made prifoners of war.

Some time after this upon a very clear day, my man and I went to the top of a very high hill, on the eaſt side of the iſland, from whence I had once before seen the continent in America. I could nor directly tell what was the matter, for Friday fell to jumping and dancing as if he was mad, I aſked him the reaſon of his joy. O joy! ſaid he, glad! there ſee my country there my nation there lives white mans all gather! upon which I could not help thinking but that if he could by any means get home, he would forget all I had done for him, & perhaps bring his countrymen into my iſland to destroy me, but to my ſhame I ſpeak it, my jealouſy was very ill grounded, for the poor fellow was of a quite different diſpoſition, and as I found afterwards would have freely

( 59 )

freely lost his life, rather than have left me, or done
the least injury.

Soon after this I asked him if he had not a desire to
go into his own country? yes, said he, me much O glad
to be at my nation: me go if you go, me no go if you
stay. I go, Friday! said I, what shall I do there? He an-
sWERED, O master, you do great deal much good, you teach
all the wild mans to be good tame mans; you them sober live
good life, to know God, and pray God. Alas ! poor Friday,
said I, that's out of my power, neither will I ven-
ture among them : no, you shall go and leave me alone
as I was before I saved your life.

Never was any body more thunder-struck than Friday
was at these words, especially when I told him he
would be at liberty to go as soon as the boat was ready
to carry him : he put one of his hatchets in my hand,
saying, Only kill Friday : Friday cares not live long. But
what must I kill you for ? said I, Ab ! acar mafter what
made you Friday save from eat a me up, so keep long Fri-
day, make Friday love God, and not love Benamuckee,
and now Friday send away, none see Friday more. When
he spoke this, the tears ran down so plentifully, that I
had much ado to refrain from weeping myself; I com-
forted him in the best manner I could, telling him if he
was willing to stay with me, I would never part with
him as long as I lived.

In short the fellow's honesty & sincere behaviour soon
convinced me of the unreasonableness of my jealousy,
and he became more dear to me than ever. Indeed, I
thought that if ever I could get to the continent, and
join the white men Friday had mentioned, it might be
a means to further my escape : in order to this Friday,
and I went into the woods to look out a large tree to
build a canoe, which we effected in about six weeks, &
with much trouble and pains got her into the water. I
was very well pleased with the launching this little man
of war of mine, which Friday managed with great dex-
terity

( 60 )

terity, and assured me it was in all points large enough
to carry us over, and if I thought proper he was rea-
dy to venture with me.

I liked the fellow's honest proposal, but at the same
time, I thought if I could procure a mast and fail, it
would be better, which with the greatest difficulty ima-
ginable, in about three months time I made a shift to
instruct him in the art of navigation, which before he
knew nothing of.

I was now entered into the twenty-seventh year of my
reign, or rather of my captivity, and kept the anniver-
sary of my landing with greater solemnity than ever,
having received such repeated signals of the divine fa-
vour in deliverance, preservation, and prosperity.

I now wanted for nothing, & yet my mind was still
intent upon my deliverance; and in truth I had a strong
impression on me that I should not be another year in
this island: but I still continued my husbandry, & made
the usefull preparations for my future subsistence. The
rain-feason coming on, we were forced to remain for
the most part within doors, having first made all neces-
sary preparations for the security & safety of my new
boat, till the months of November & December at which
time I fully determined to fail over to the continent.
And no sooner did it draw near, but I set about mak-
ing preparations for my intended expedition, and in a
fortnight's time I opened my little dock, and let out
the boat for that purpose.

One morning as I was busy making preparations for
my voyage, Friday whom I had sent to the sea fide to
look for a turtle, came back in a terrible fright, said I
nave bad news; yonder are 3 or 4 canoes, and they
come to look for poor Friday, and will eat you as
well as me, therefore we must resolve to fight. Says
Friday trembling, me will fight as well as I can, but I
am afraid they are too many for us, but I will obey
your orders and lose the last drop of my blood for you.

Without

{ 6t }

Without farther hesitation, we fell to loading our arms, and making every thing ready for the onset; when we had double loaded them, and put every thing in the best posture that could be, I took my perspective glafs, and went up to the top of a hill, to try what I could discover; and I soon perceived there were nineteen savages, and three prisoners, which I concluded, by their manner of acting, were to be devoured.

This dismal and inhuman spectacle filled me with the utmost horror and detestation, & the more so, as I saw a white man, who, by their actions & preparations I found was to be the next sacrifice; this made me use all the speed I could, having fully determined to deliver him or perish in the attempt: to I gave Friday orders to follow me, and to do every thing he saw me do.

When we came to a proper distance undiscovered, I gave the word to Friday to fire, as I did the very same moment. We took our aim so well, that, between us we killed four, and wounded three or four more. No man can imagine the consternation and confusion these savages were in on this unexpected accident; however, nor to give them any refpite we took up some other arms and let fly a second time, killed 2 more, and wounded several others, which added to their confusion, that they ran yelling and howling like mad creatures. Friday found I, take the charged mulket and follow me, to shewing our lives to them and at the same time giving a shout, we went directly to the victim, and immediately cut the bands from his hands and legs, and lifting him up, Iatk'd him in the Portuguese tongue, what he was. He told me in Latin he was a Spaniard, & a Christian; and after re-urning the best acknowledgment he could for his deliverance, he was about to give an account of his misfortunes, but I prevented him telling him that it would be better at another time, and farther said,

Signior

( 62 )

Signior, we will talk afterwards, but now our business
is fighting. I gave him a dram and a piece of bread to
refresh him, and then lent him a sword and pistol, &
bid him do what he could; and, to give the man his
due, no man could behave himself with greater courage;
in short we so managed the matter, that of twenty-
two savages, not above three or four got in one of
their canoes, and those I resolved to pursue & endea-
vour to destroy too, if possible; accordingly, I leap'd
in one of their canoes, and ordered Friday to follow
me: but I had no sooner got in, than I saw another
poor creature bound hand and foot for the laugh-
ter, I presently lifted him up, but he was so faint &
weak, that he could neither stand nor speak, but
groaned sadly, thinking he was now to be sacrificed. I
bid Friday speak to him, & assure him of his deliver-
ance. When he was a little revived, & fat up in the
boat, & Friday began to hear him speak, & had look-
ed on him more fully, you cannot imagine the poor
fellow's transport: at length when he'd a little reco-
vered himself, he told me it was his father, & in truth
he gave me such uncommon testimonies of his duty &
affection, that I must needs own I was very much
affected with it.

In short with a great deal of difficulty, we got both
my new guests home to my castle, where I made them
a handsome tent, and treated them in the best manner
circumstances would allow.

And thus like an absolute king, I governed my little
dominions: and finding that my new subjects were
weak, I order'd Friday to kill one of my kids, Stewd
and boiled the flesh, and made them some very good
broth, & dined with them myself. After dinner I or-
dered Friday to go to the field of battle, & fetch home
the arms; & then I bid Friday aks his father whether
he thought it likely for the savages to escape the norm
or it they got home, whether he thought they would
not.

( 63 )

not return in great numbers, & endeavour to destroy
us. His answer was, that if they did reach their own
country, which he thought impossible, yet the strange-
ness of their being attacked would certainly make 'em
tell the people they were destroyed by thunder and
lightning, & that whoever went in the island would
certainly be destroyed by the hands of the gods, & not
of men; & that the island was enchanted; and that the
gods sent fire from above to destroy all those that
should presume to land in it.

This news having freed me from my apprehensions,
and no canoes appearing, I resolved to pursue my in-
tended voyage, Friday's father having assured me I
might depend on good usage from the people of his
country. As to the Spaniard I asked him his opinion: he
told me they were 14 that were cast away upon the
island, & that they had a good understanding with the
Indians, but was in want of necessaries for the support
of human life; and that if I thought proper, he and
the old savage would go over first, and settle matters
in order for our reception; and at the same time he
told me, they would all swear fidelity to me, and
own me as their leader.

Upon these assurances I resolved to send them over,
but when every thing was ready, the Spaniard stated
this great objection: you know sir, I am no stranger
to the length of your stock, & tho' you have enough
for us that are with you, yet when you enlarge your
family, I'm sure it can't be enough to last a long,
& therefore my advice is, to wait another harvest &
in that time prepare as much ground as possible where
by we may have provision sufficient for our design.
This advice I liked extremely, and from that moment
I always esteemed the Spaniard, and made him my
private counsellor upon all occasions.

We all four went to work, and prepared as much
ground as would grow twenty-two bushels of barley &
fifteen

( 64 )

sixteen of rice, which was all the feed we had to spare & at the same time, I took all the care imaginable to encreafe & preserve my goats, by shooting the wild dam & taking the kids, & putting them into the enclosures and took such other methods, that by the bleffing of God, and our industry, after harvest, we had provision to victual a ship for any part of America.

The principal occasion being thus answered, I got my two ambassadors a musket each, with 8 charges of powder and ball, with provision fit for the expedition & away I sent them. I hey had not been gone afortnight but I began to grow impatient for their return. While my thoughts was perpetually taken up with the expectation of them, a very strange accident happened which was first discovered by my man Friday, who one morning came running to me, crying out, They are come! they're come! on which I jump'd from my bed, and looked towards the sea, I perceived a boat about a league and a half distance, standing directly in for the shore, I soon found that these was none of the company I expected; for by the help of my glafs, I found that this boat must belong to some ship, which by casting my eyes about I plainly discovered lying at anchor at some distance at sea, & which by the fallion of her long boat, &c. I concluded must be an Englsh vessel.

Great were my transports at this unexpected fight, which brought in my mind fresh notions of deliverance, & yet I had some cautionary thoughts, which I confefs were of use to me afterward. It was not long before I saw the boat approach the shore & then I was fully convinced that they were English, I saw 4 of them leap on the shore, and take three out with them, that look'd like prisoners, who I obferv'd made passionate gestures of intreaty, and not knowing what was the meaning of it, I beckon'd to Friday who was near me, to go to the top of the mountain, & make what discoveries he could, when in a little time returning

( 65 )

ing back, master, said he, you see English men eat pri-
toners as well as savage men! But of this I soon con-
vinced him of the contrary; and yet I could not he p
thinking there must be something very barbarous in
hand. I could not perceive they had any fire-arms,
but rather that they were preparing to kill their 3
companions with their fwords; & now it was I lament-
ed my want of power to preserve them, however to my
great fat sfaction, I found they turned them up in the
desolate island, as they thought, to be either darv'd or
devoured by wild beasts, and then rambled about the
wood to make observations, till the tide was gone, &
the boat was a-ground.

In short, I considered what sort of men I had now to
deal with, & therefore resolved to act with all the cau-
tion imaginable, and so concluded it best not to make
any attempt till it grew dark; but the day being excef-
sively hot, I concluded the sailors were of course laid
in the shade to sleep; perceiving the three poor dif-
consolate creatures sitting under a tree, at some small
distance from me, I made no more to do, but went up
to them, asking them in the Spanish tongue what they
were ? at which they started up, & being surprized at
the oddness of my dres, began to avoid me, but I
call'd to 'em in English, Don't be afraid, you've a friend
nearer than you expect, tell me your condition & if
it be in my power, I'll serve you faithfully, Sir, said I
of 'em, the story is too long at present; I was master of
the ship that lies yonder, my men having mutined,
'tis a favor they've put this passenger, my mate, and
me on shore without murdering us, tho' we have
no prospect but to perish here, for want of necessaries
of life. Have they any fire-arms? said I, only 2 fu-
fees, replied he, & 1 of them is now in the boat, &
if the 2 desperate rogues that are with them was taken,
I am well assured the rest would return to their duty,
Well, said I, let us retire a little more under the cover-

ing

( 67 )

them of every thing necessary for their subsistence, so
taking with me my man Friday, money, my parrot,
&c. I went on board, where the captain treated me as
hi deliverer, and behav'd himself to me with the ut-
mott gratitude & civility. Upon the 12th of Decem-
ber. 1686, we set sail, and landed in England the 11th
of June 1687, after I had been absent from my na-
tive country upwards of 35 years.

After my arrival, & I had a little refreshed myself,
I began to enquire in the state of my affairs. I found
my first captain's widow alive, but in very mean cir-
cumstances. Soon after I went to Yorkshire, where I
found my family in general either dead or lost, so that
I knew not where to find them. I found there was no
provision made for me, upon which I took my man
Friday and went to Lisbon in order to find the Portu-
guese cap. who took me on board on the coast of Af-
rica, & to learn from him what was become of my
plantation at the Brafils. According to my wish, after
some little search, I found him out, & he gave me a
very satisfactory account of all matters, particular-
ly of my plantation in the Brafils, which had been so
honestly managed in my absence, that beyond my ex-
pectation I found myself worth 4000l. sterling, with
which as soon as possible, I resolved to make the best
of my way to England, & by advice of the captain,
I was persuaded to go by land, which hadlik'd to have
proved fatal to me & all that were in my company:
for the snows being fallen, the wolves and bears were
driven out of the woods, & though there were more
than 20 of us together, they set upon us many times
and indeed it was not without the greatest hazard &
difficulty we preferred ourselves from being devour'd
the particular relation which would be too long to
trouble the reader with.

In our farther passage thro' France we met with no-
thing uncommon or remarkable, we got safe to Paris
and

( 68 )

& after a short stay there we went to Calais, & landed
at Dover the 14th of January in a very cold season.

When I came to London I found my bills of exchange
all arrived & the cash ready to be paid at sight, which
when I'd receiv'd, it came into my mind to return to
Lisbon & from thence to the Brailts to look after my
plantation; but on second thoughts, I concluded it
best to sell it, & on this account I thought proper to
send to my correspondent at Lisbon, & desire his advice
& assistance, who readily gave me his promise to do all
he could for me; & in truth as I afterwards found,
he acquitted himself to me in every particular with
the greatest justice and integrity.

In short he sold my estate to the best advantage,
and remitted to me bills for 300 and twenty pieces
of eight; a sum much greater than I expected. And
now I began to think it high time to settle myself,
providence having made such a plentiful provision for
me, that I wanted nothing to render me as happy as
I could wish.

Having cast anchor, & for the present bid adieu to
all foreign adventures, I had no other care or concern
on me but the education of my brother's 2 sons, 1 of
them I bred a gentleman, and the other an able sailor
and soon after I married a virtuous young gentlewo-
man, of good family, by whom I had 2 sons and a
daughter, but she dying I grew disconsolate & melan-
choy, & at the instigation of my nephew, resolved
once more to make a voyage to the East Indies, which
I did in 1689, and in the passage visited my island,
a full account of which I intend shall be the subject
of the next volume of my narrative.

End of the First Volume.

FARTHER

FARTHER
ADVENTURES
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE.

VOL. II.

Containing a full account of his Travels and remarkable Transactions both by sea and land.

MY new kingdom run continually in my mind, and engrossed my thoughts day and night, insomuch, that my wife took notice of it, and would often ask me the reason of my extraordinary thoughtfulneſs, supposing my marriage with her might be the cause. Her tender & endearing expressions, together with the concern I had for preserving of my family, at length brought me to a resolution to settle myself in some fixed way of living: accordingly I bought a little farm in Bedfordshire, & soon provided me a stock, with all sorts of implements fit to manage it to the best advantage. In this natural retirement I began to think myself as happy as I could wish; when on a sudden all my felicity was destroyed by the unexpected death of my wife.

Her death gave me a sort of contempt of the world filled me full of different thoughts and inclinations. My country life grew burthenſome to me; & in short I left off my farm, left off houlekeeping, and in a few months after return'd to London, but there I could find nothing to entertain me and divert my melancholy. It was now the beginning of the year 1693, when my neophew, whom I had bred up to the sea, was returned from his voyage, captain of the ship he went out in; who coming to me one morning, told me it was proposed to him by some merchants to make a voyage to

the East Indies, and if I would go, he would undertake
to land me upon my island, that I might have an oppor-
tunity to enquire in the state of my new kingdom.

Just before he came to me it occurred to my thoughts
to get a patent and fill my island with inhabitants.
What devil said I, if not you both with this message? and
tho' I liked the notion, yet I would not let him know
it at first; however after a little pause I told him, if
he would let me down and call for me at his return. I
would certainly go with him. As for calling for me as
he came back, he told me was impracticable. But,
said he, I will tell you what we can do; we have a
sloop ready framed on board, which we may safely put to
gether at any time and you may return when you please.

I was not long in forming my resolutions, but con-
trary to the advice of all my friends I full determined
to undertake the voyage; and in order to it I made
my will, and put my affairs in the best posture I po-
fibly could, and so with my trusty servant Friday, in
the beginning of January 1694, I went on board and
took with me several artificers, with a good cargo, for
the better flocking of my island.

We had not been long at sea, before we were over-
taken by a storm, which drove us upon the coast of Ire-
land as far as Gallaway, where we was obliged to stay
twenty days for a wind. On the 5th of February the
wind presented, & we had a very good gale for several
days. On the 20th in the evening the mate called out
that he saw a flash of fire, and heard a gun: upon
which we run to the quarter deck, from whence at
a distance, we saw a terrible fire, and from our reck-
ing we concluded could be no other than a ship that
took fire at sea, & that it could not be far off by the
report of the gun which we heard several times, We
made to it with all our fail and soon found it was a
great ship burning in the midft of the sea. I immedi-
ately ordered 5 guns to be fired that the poor people
might

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might perceive there was deliverance at hand, who
consequently might risk their lives in their boats, nor
was it long before the ship blew up.

We hung out our lanthorns, and about eight in the
morning when it begun to be light, we saw 2 boats
making towards us, & we made signs for them to come
on board, and took them up, being men, women,
and children, in all 64. It was a French ship of
300 tons bound from Canada, & by negligence of the
steererfman was set on fire in the steerage, so that in
all possibility if providence had not sent us to their
affitance, they had every foul perished,

Never was people certainly so overjoyed as these
poor creatures were. Among the passengers there was
2 priests, an old one and a young one; the old one
was a stupid fellow, but the younger was a modelt fine
gentleman. After their surprife was pretty well over,
& they had been refreshed in the best manner our ship
would allow the captain and one of the priests desired
to speak with me, and offered us the money and jewels
they had faved, which I refused telling him our bufi-
ness was to fave them and not to plunder them. Then
told us, then all they had to delive of us was, to
fet

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set them on shore somewhere in our passage. As to landing them, we told them, that being bound to the East-Indies, we could not do it without changing our course, & that we could not justify; but we would carry them till we met with a ship bound either to England or France, that would take them on board: however, our provision beginning to fall short, we resolved to land them at Newround-land; which was not far out of our way: and accordingly as we propse, in about a week's time came to the banks of Newround-land, when they hired a bark to carry them to France, all but the young priest & two or three failors who chose to go with us.

Now directing our course to the S. S. E. about 20 days after we met with another adventure that gave us a fresh opportunity to exercise our humanity. In the latitude of 27, we saw a fair bearing towards us that had left all her sails and firing a gun in token of disreft. The wind being N. we soon came up to speak to her, and found her to be a ship of Bristol, bound home from Barbadoes, that had been driven out of the road by a furious hurricane. They had been toffed about for some time, and were almost starved for want of provisions having eaten nothing for eleven days.

In this ship was three passengers, a gentlewoman, her son and a maid servant; these we found in the most miserable condition that can be imagined. The woman died, and it was with the greatest difficulty that we preserved the young man and maid; who at their earneit intreaty, after we had supplied the other ship with what we could spare, we took on board our own. We were now in the latitude 19; but passing by some little incident, I shall relate what is most remarkable concerning my little kingdom, to which I was now drawing nigh. It was with no small trouble that we got to the south side of my island; however, we came to anchor at the mouth of the little creek, and then I soon saw my old castle.

When

{ 73 }

When I was certain of the place I called to Friday,
and asked him if he knew where he was ? and when he
looked a little, he clapped his hands crying, O joy! O
there! O yes! O there! Me see! Me see! There much
men! and there! And fell a jumping as if he was mad.

When the English colours was spread, and had fixed
3 guns, as a signal we were friends, and so, with the
young priest and Friday, I went on shore. And who
should be the first I saw, but the Spaniard whose life
I had saved; and Friday who saw his father at a
distance, ran to him, and embraced him with extreme
tendernefs.

It was the 10th of April I set my foot on shore the
second time, when my faithful Spaniard, accompanied
by 1 more, came up to me: he did not know me at
first; but when I hinted to him who I was, no man
could express or behave himself with greater gratitude.
He took me by the hand, and asked me if I would
go and take possession of my old habitation; where I
found they had made considerable improvements. I
asked him several questions, and be readily answered
me, telling me withal what strange confusion they had
with the English, who designed to murder them.
While we was talking, a man whom he had sent returned
with 11 more. " These," said he, " are some of
" those that owe their lives to your goodnefs." And
after he had made them sensible who I was, they all
saluted me in a very grateful manner.

Before I relate what happen'd in the island, as it was
told me by the Spaniard, my governor, I must mention
a story I omitted in my former narrative. Just before
we weighed anchor, there happened a quarrel on board
which, by the care of the captain, was timely hindered
who' not without some difficulty; and, indeed, so far
it proceeded, that 2 fellows, who had been the ring-leaders, found means in the night, to seize some arms
and the ship's boat, and got away to the island, and

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joined

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joined their brother rogues; so that now there was 5
English in the island, which as the Spaniard reports
in the following narration, was the cause of great
disorder and confusion amongst them.

The Spaniard's relation of what happen'd in the island,

YOU may remember Sir, you sent me on a voyage;
and, truly, I was not a little surprified to find at
my return, that you had left us. We had a very good
passage; and, indeed, my countrymen was overjoyed
to find I had so miraculously escaped; and, when I had
shewed them the arms and ammunition, they were
transported to the highest degree. After a little rest,
we got what we could from the savages, made bold
with 2 of their canoes, and so came all over to the
island; where we had no sooner landed, but we found
the English had quarrelled with one another, and had
attempted to murder their fellow islanders.

One day as 2 of my Spaniards were in the wood,
one of the inhabitants of the English came up to them,
and made complaints how cruelly their countrymen
used them, and if we did not protect them, they must
be starved. When they came to supper, a Spaniard
in a friendly manner, began to reprimand the muti-
nous English; That it was a great pity their coun-
trymen should perish: and intreated them to suffer
their countrymen to procure subsistence without any
disturbance: to which they replied, let them starve
and be damned, for the island is ours, and it they will
not work for us they shall have no share in it. Come
Jack, said Atkins, who shall dare to build in our
dominions without our consent? And we afterwards
found out, they had certainly murdered them, if they
had not been prevented, however, they pulled down
their huts, and did them all the damage they possibly
could. When they had perpetrated this villainy, they
came back to the castle boating of what they had done
and

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and one, taking hold of a Spaniard's hat, twirl'd it round
faying, and you, Signior Jack Spaniard, shall have the
same sauce if you do not mend your manners. This quarrel
in a short time grew so high, that, if we had not timely
interpoled and taken away their arms, in all probability
there would have been murder.

These wicked men perceiving they had made all of
us their foes, began to relent, and to beg for their arms;
this we positively refus'd, which made them so mad and
desperate, that they left us in the greatest passion ima-
ginable. They were hardly gone but their 2 country-
men came to us with their complaints, faying they
were ruined; and truly, fir, we could not help thinking
it very hard, that nineteen of us should from time to
time, be bullied by 3 such villains.

With some difficulty we perfuaded their 2 country-
men from killing them with their fire-arms; but pro-
mising they should have justice, they defisted. Five
days after, being almost starved, they came in a very
submissive manner, and begged heartily to have their
arms, which, upon certain conditions, we granted.
But such was their villainy, that in three days they
began their old trade.

And now it was an accident happened, that not only
obliged us to lay alide all private animosities, but like-
wife to provide for our mutual security.

One night as I lay in my bed, I was disturbed with
unusual fears, I got up and related the matter to one of
my Spanish friends, who anfswered, *such hints were not
to be fliighted*; and advifed me to look out carefully,
adding, *that certainly some mischief was on the flocks*. Ac-
cordingly we went to the top of the mountain, where
we discovered a light, and heard the voices of several
men, which terrified us exceedingly. We could not
tell what to conjecture, and therefore sent old Friday
as a spy, to try if he could learn, who and from whence
they were. He returned in a short time, and brought

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us

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us word, that they were two parties of savages, of different nations; and that after a bloody battle, they had landed there by mere chance, in order to devour prisoners and that he believed, as soon as it was light a bloody battle would ensue. Old Friday had hardly ended his relation, but an unusual noise gave us to understand an engagement was begun; and nothing could be more bloody and obstinate, nor could men be of more invincible spirits, or more active and ready in their way of fighting.

We were first, undoubtedly in a great consternation, left they should run into our grove, and destroy what we had, and so resolved to be on our defence; and shoot the first that approached; as we apprehended so it happened; for 3 of the vanquished came directly for shelter; these I would not suffer to be slain, but had them taken alive; they all proved excellent servants, and of great use afterwards. The two parties being gone off, we went to the place of battle, found two and thirty dead, with several bows and arrows, and other weapons which I ordered to be carried to our armoury.

This spectacle had that effect upon the three troublesome English, that their turbulent temper soon abated, and began to be good friends, and to think what was best to be done for our mutual preservation. Accordingly all hands were at work to strengthen our castle, and provide security for our provisions; and indeed, we did both with all the caution that our circumstances would allow. And thus, for two years we lived in a very comfortable retirement, having neither seen nor heard any thing of the savages for all that time.

But now another quarrel, which might have proved of very bad consequence, if it had not been prevented in time. The 3 wicked Englishmen being the aggressors, I ordered them to be disarmed, and let the cafe to the other two Englishmen, who sentenced them to be

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hanged, alledging, among other things, that they had
a design to murder us, and only deferred it till a pro-
per opportunity; on which, I asked Atkins, the ring-
leader, what we had done to them to deferve death,
or what he had to say for himself, why we should not
immediately kill him who had formed such a villain-
ous design. In truth the English prefled very hard to
hang one of them for an example to the others; but
this I would not consent to, upon the consideration
that I owed my life to an Englishman, to you, sir, my
only preserver; however to put it out of their power
to do us any farther mischief, we determined that, for
the future they should have no arms; and that, if they
did again attempt to give the society any manner of
disturbance, we would shoot them. After this I order-
ed provision for their prelent subistance, and appoin-
ted a remote part of the island, where they might
plant, and make what improvements they liked.

They lived six months in this separate station, and
got in their first harvest, which, that season, was very
small, as they were naturally not only very idle, but
had every thing to begin anew, and, what was worse,
were but very indifferent workmen. These fellows
growing desperate and weary of working, took a new
whim into their heads, which might have been of
fatal consequence. Nothing would serve them, but
they must needs make a voyage to the continent, to
try if they could seize some of these savages and make
them do the drudgery; indeed the project was not so
preposterous, if they had not been actuated by wick-
ed notions and designs.

One morning they came to their limits, desiring to
speak with us; which being granted, they told us they
were tir'd of that state of life, & if we would give them
a canoe, they would go and seek their fortunes abroad
and never trouble us more. You may be sure, sir, we
were not a little glad to be freed from such compani-

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ons ;

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ons: however we represented the danger of it; but
finding nothing would change their resolution, we con-
fented they should have one, and gave them some fire-
arms, and provision; and as soon as they had fitted out
their boar, they merrily failed away, the Spaniards at
the same time wishing them a good voyage. And in
truth, nothing could be farther from our thoughts.
than the possibility of seeing them any more; yet
scarcely a month had passed, but one of our English-
men being abroad at work, saw three men well armed
coming towards him; upon which away he flies to
bring us intelligence, telling us, we were all undone,
for there were men on the island that were not savages.
While we were considering, came three English, whom
we knew by their voices, then our wonder ceased. Clur

enquiry was in the nature and manner of their voyage,
reason of their speedy return; when one of them gave
the following relation.

After 2 days fail we reached land; but finding the
inhabitants were savages, and coming with their bows
and arrows to give us an unwelcome reception, we
thought proper to make the best of our way, steering
Northward. In our passage we discovered several little
islands

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islands which seemed to be inhabited: at one of which we resolved to go on shore at all hazards: at one that lay to the West: we found the natives very courteous, giving what they could procure. Among these hospitable Indians we stayed some days, enquiring by signs what nations lay near them: and was informed there were several savage nations, that were accustomed to eat mankind, but for their parts, they were not used to such diet, except those as they took in battle. We asked how long since they had had a battle, and what prisoners: they answered by signs, that it was two months, and their king had 200 prisoners for slaughter. We were defirous to see them: which they mistook, and thought we wanted some for our use, and made signs that, at fun-rising, we should have them: accordingly at the time appointed, they brought us 11 men and 5 women, just as cows and oxen are brought to a sea-port town; a sight that filled us with horror, what to do we could not tell: to refuse them would be an unpardonable affront, and to dispose of them we knew not how; however, we resolved to accept them, gave in return a few fishes that we had: so taking our leave we failed to the next island, where we met 8 of the men at liberty; with the rest we made the best way to our island: and tho' we treated them all well, we could by no means convince them but that they were to be devoured.

Thus, first ended the narrative of these 3 desiderates; I asked where their new family was, they told me they were at their hut: so we all went to see them.

When we come, we found 3 well proportioned men and 5 women, all naked and bound: four of them from 24 to 40, the other was a comely maiden of about 17: they were all very agreeable, and their behaviour very modest. Their naked appearance, with the misery of their condition, was no very agreeable fight. I ordered Friday's father to try if he could learn

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any

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any thing from them, if he could make them understand him, to assure them they should not be sacrificed: but they not being of his nation, he could only make one woman understand, and that partly by signs: when they were told by the woman, they were not to be killed, no one can express the strange gestures by which they expressed their joy: and when they were asked if they were willing to be servants, they made joyful signs to express their readinews.

Now, fir, having women among us, which I thought
might occasion quarrels, I asked the 3 English, how
they proposed to dispose of their families: adding,
I was not going to lay any restraint on them, only
desired they would take each one: and after they had
chosen, no other man should presume to touch her.
To this they agreed, concluded to draw lots for the
choice, which, beyond expectation, did with regularity
and exactness. The only thing to be observed is,
the poor women (till old Friday convinced them to
the contrary, were under dreadful apprehensions,
that, as the English took them away as their lots di-
rected, they were to be murdered.

These terrors being removed, the English with their
new wives, went to work, and in a short time finished
several huts for their living.

Now fir, I lay before you a scene quite different
from any thing that has been related. One morning,
there came five canoes of Indians on shore, on their
old account of eating prisoners: all we could do was
to lie concealed till their bloody ceremony was over,
and to take proper care to defend ourselves in case of
need. Notwithstanding all our cautions, there happened a disafter that had like to have occasioned the utter ruin of the island, for, after the savages were gone off, my Spaniards and I looking out to make observations, we found 3 savages that had gorged themselves, fast asleep.

What

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What to do we could not tell, to murder them would not be justifiable according to the rule of christianity, having no quarrel: we thought it advisable to secure them alive, and let them about them some work, till we could dispense of them: accordingly took them prisoners, carried them first to our castle, and then to the 2 Englishmen, who soon found them employment, but for want of keeping a strict guard, one got away into the woods, and was not heard of for several days.

This accident gave us great apprehensions, that by some way or other, this savage would find means to get to his own country, and inform his countrymen how weak we were: and consequently they would come and destroy us all: nor indeed were our notions ill grounded: for in eight months, there came six ca-noes, with ten men each, landed within a mile of the Englishmen's habitation, who, with the greatest terror imaginable, let their milch goats loose into the woods, and ran to their secret cave, resolving to defend themselves till we could come to their assistance.

It was not long before their habitations was fired, the savages in pursuit in several small parties, upon which they took their stand at a convenient place, and determined to defend themselves to the very last extremity.

While they were thus expecting them, a party came on, one of them was the run-away, who was the cause of this milchief, and he they resolved should be the first that suffered, let what would be the consequence! accordingly, as was concerted, one let fly, and took his aim so well that he was killed outright, shot another through the body, and wounded a third.

Dreadful was the out-cry the wounded Indians made being infenible from whence their destruction came; and, as we were informed, believed were destroyed by thunder and lightning, having never seen or heard any thing like a gun. Whilst they were in this confusion

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nation

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nation, the Englishmen had time to new load their guns, firing both together upon another party of five who was standing by the 2 wounded, fell to the ground as if they had been killed, upon which the two Englishmen went to them, whithout charging their guns which was a very wrong step, for when they came they found four alive, two flightly wounded, and one not at all; they were forced to take the but end of their muskets, and knock them on the head; he that was not wounded they bound, and laid him at the foot of a tree, then made all haste towards the cave to see if all was well there; finding all safe, came back to where they left the Indian bound, and to their great surprize, he was gone. Now they were in greater fear than before, but while they were confidering what was proper to do, seven Spaniards came to to them, bringing the very fame Indian the Englishmen had left bound under the tree, whom the Spaniards had releafed

This reinforcement encouraged the two Englishmen, and so great was their indignation for the lofs of their huts, that they could slay no longer, ; but taking the Spaniards with them, all well armed, away they went in purluit of the rest of the savages ; but from a rifing they perceived they were on board their canoes, were out to fea too far to be come at, which gave them new matter for fear, left they should go home and inform their brethren of all that had happened, and incite them to come over with a greater power, and destroy the whole island. As we judged so it happened; for in lefs than seven months they came over with 25 canoes, and two hundred and fifty men, with bows and arrows and other weapons,

We were Sir, in no little conſte nation upon the approach of these guests, nor were we wanting to make preparation ; we armed our faithful ſlaves in the beſt manner we could, nor would our women be peruaded from fighting with us, as they resolved to conquer

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conquer or die with their husbands, whom they now
loved with the greatest tenderness.

Of this little army I was commander in chief; and
W. Atkins, whom I knew to be of invincible courage,
appointed my lieutenant-general, gave him fix choice
men, well armed, to command as a separate body. In
a short time the fight began on Atkins's quarter, who
ordered his men to fire into the thickest. Never were
creatures in greater consternation, imagining their de-
struction to come from the gods; if Atkins had obfer-
ved my orders, and retreated unperceived, they had
fled to their canoes without any farther attempt; but
feeling him and his small party, they came on again,
with great fury.

We were obliged to interpose with our whole body,
to save Atkins's party, who were precluded very hard,
had one of the Englishmen killed, and himself wounded.
We gave three volleys, but they were now grown to
desperate, notwithstanding our fire they came up in the
very teeth of us, infomuch that we were forced to re-
tire; and in truth I must own, that if night had not
given us a little reprieve, we must have been in great
danger.

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I drew up my little army on a rising ground, where,
by moon-light, we could observe the savages in much
disorder; we concluded it would be best to fall on
them now, and, if possible give them a volley undil-
covered; which we did by the guidance of the two
Englishmen, who knew the ground perfectly; after
this we gave them three volleys more, and then rusht
upon them with such irrefutable fury that they
took to their heels. Many of them were killed in the
flight; but we were so tired with fighting these two
battles, that we did not pursue them to their canoes,
in which we concluded they would immediately get
to sea; but there was a dreadful storm, they were pre-
vented in that, and many of their canoes lost.

After we had taken refreshment and a little repose,
refolved, when light, to go to the place of battle to
make what observations we could; and, coming to a
full view of the remainder of their army, we found
them lying in a miserable posture; and when within
market place, I ordered two guns to be fired, in order
to try if they had any notion of coming to another
engagement; and the project answered so effectually
that they no sooner heard the report of the first gun,
than they started up, and in a most astonishing manner
ran to the mountains. Though, I had much rather the
weather had suffered them to have gone off, without
giving us farther trouble; for now the cafe was, what
must be done with this number of savage creatures?
great were our debates on this point; however, it was
determined to destroy their canoes; which when the
Indians saw, made the most hideous out-cries; for we
either burnt or disabled them all, after which they
ran about a long time, and as they had no arms, so,
notwithstanding their numbers, we were the least ap-
prehensive of being surprised by them.

Our stock of provision being so very small, we came
to a resolution to drive them up into some remote

corner

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corner of the island, and to kill all we could catch, to
leaven their number, and then give them some corn to
plant. Pursuant to this resolution, we purfued them
with our guns, killing every day one or more, till their
number was so reduced, that we concluded if possible, to
take one alive, which at last with some difficulty we ef-
fected, and using him kindly, we brought him to old
Friday, who told him if they would submit to what
they were commanded, they should be used well, other-
wise they should be all slain, and bid him go and af-
sure his companions so, who were almost starved.

The poor creatures who were now reduced to 37 re-
ceived this offer with joy, we sent them food, which
they ate with great thankfulness, made all the promi-
fes we could desire; and to give them their due, they
have never broke any of them to this day.

Sir, to the best of my ability, I have given you an
account of what material has happened in the island
since your departure to this day; by which you may
perceive the wonderful works of Providence.

When you inspect the island, you will find it im-
proved, your corn and flocks increased, the number of
your subjects so far augmented, that, from a delolate
island, as it was before your deliverance, here is a
prospect, with a little industry, that it may at length
become, both a populous and plentiful little kingdom.

The end of the Spaniard's Relation.

The Continuation of the LIFE of ROBINSON CRUSOE.
NO doubt but the Spaniard gave me a faithful ac-
count, which was agreeable to me, and no lefs
furprizing to the young priett, and all that heard it :
nor were these people lefs pleafed with the neceffaries
I brought them, which were a great help to them in
perfecting their habitations. W. Atkins was grown
fober, and built his hut with ingenuity; nothing in-
deed, confidering the place, could be finifhed with

greater

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greater curiosity, or have better conveniencies; for the habits of the English were the most commo-dious in the island. As to religion they had little a-mong them, and the men only taught their wives to speak English. They were all fruitful enough, and bore each a child yearly, some of which were now fix years old, and very healthy.

When I enquired concerning the savages living, they gave a very deplorable relation of it, adding, that they had hardly any hopes of support or deliverance,

They took many methods to instruct the savages, but to no purpose; for they would give no ear to the in-structions of those whose lives they had faved. At the return of their friend, who they thought had been devoured, their joy was great, especially when they saw the loaves of bread I had sent them; but when they heard the errand, and perceived the boat, their transports were inexpresstible.—This was the account I had from them; and now it follows I should inform the reader in what condition I left them.

It was generally agreed, they should have no more disturbances from the savages, so I told them I had not come to remove them, but rather to establish them on the island; for that end I brought all sorts of ne-cessaries and artificers, with other persons that would not only add to their number, and consequently to their defence, but would also be a mutual help and support. They were altogether when I talked in this manner. I asked, one by one, if they had forgot their former animities and would engage in friendship ? to which Atkins replied, they had afflictions enough to make them all lober, and enemies enough to make them all friends, adding, that he had most jufly deferved the treatment he received from the Spaniards, and that he only was to be blamed; upon which the Spaniards replied, that since Will Atkins had on all oc-cations behaved himself so valiant in their defence,

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all

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all that was past should be forgotten, that he should
have his arms, and be made the next commander to
the governor.

Upon these declarations of mutual friendship, we con-
cluded to dine together on the morrow; which we
did in the best order the place would permit: and after
that, I distributed to every one, his portion of the ne-
cestaries I had brought over, and divided the island
into three colonies, making my old habitation the me-
tropolis, which the Spaniards inhabited.

The young man whose mother was starved to death
as beforementioned, and the maid; who was indeed a
virtuous young woman, seeing the good disposition
of affairs, dropped their resolution of going to the East
Indies, and desired I would permit them to stay on
the island, and enter them among my subjects, which
I agreed to; the young woman was afterwards married,
as will appear by the story.

Now I come to speak of the young French priest,
whose excellent discourses were extremely agreeable,
and deserve a particular observation. Said he to me
one day, since, under God, I owe to you my life, I
shall take care to employ it, to do as much good, and
you as much honour as I can; and this I conceive
may be done in my attempt to save as many poor people's
souls as possible; but shall take care not to advance
any points in religion but what you shall approve of.

I was pleased with the modesty of his expressions,
told him he should not want my assistance to further
his good intentions; to which he replied he should
always have a grateful regard for my favours, and
would make it a principal concern to behave himself
in all points as became a good man and a peaceable
Christian.

One morning he came, as I was going to the Englishmen's plantation, addressed himself in the following

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ing

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ing manner; I know, says he you have, no-
thing more at heart than the prosperity of this island,
and as the blessing of God is the only means to procure
that prosperity, I humbly submit it to your wisdom,
whether such corrupt practices as are now among us
ought not to be removed.

I did not at first well apprehend what corruption he
hinted at; however, I desired him to bear me com-
pany to the plantation, which he readily consented,
that being the subject of what he desired to discourse
upon. We walked together, and he began in the man-
ner following;

Sir, I look upon it to be a great unhappiness, that we
differ in some points of religion; yet we both believe
and worship the same God, who having laid down rules
of obedience, we ought not willingly to transgress
them. I desired him to explain, that if it was in my
power, I might, as soon as possible, endeavour to re-
move those practices; he frankly told me, that there
were in the island four Englishmen, that had coahib-
ted with savage women, used them as wives, which can
be nothing less than fornication, in the most literal
sense; it being well known to all the inhabitants of
the island, they are not married; now Sir, can God
be honoured in such notorious liberty ? and can you,
with reason expect a blessing on the island, while such
practices continue with impunity, and men are permit-
ted to live in such state of fornication ? it is true that
you cannot be charged with crimes that was done in
your absence, and without your knowledge; but now
the case is altered, and if you neglect the remedy, the
guilt will lie at your door. I was at first so dull, that
I thought he meant to separate them; but he quickly
undecided me, saying, he meant not to separate them
but link them together by marriage. The piety of the
man gave me great satisfaction, in so much that I pro-
mited him I would go and discourse with them, and
use

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use my best endeavour that every thing might be done to his desire.

When we came to the Englishmen, I first put them in mind I had done every thing for them that was needful, in order to their future preservation in this life, and now my only concern was the preservation of their soul. I asked concerning their manner of living with the savage women; adding how scandalous it was to live in such an open course of fornication; to which Atkins replied, that he believed the savage women to be the most innocent in the world, and that they would never forfake them; and to confirm they were sincere, he told me if there was a clergyman, they would be married with all their hearts. I told them there was a clergyman, and advised them to go and consult the women, and I would take care and have the ceremonies performed to-morrow morning in due form; which they all agreed to, and so it was accordingly done.

In short the men instructed their wives as well as they could in the nature of the thing they was going about and laid them down as far as their capacities would allow, some general heads of the Christian religion; especially Atkins, who though he had been by much the most corrupt and vicious, yet he had been educated far better than the rest. After the young priest had asked them several questions, and they promised to amend their lives, and to use their utmost endeavours to make their wives Christians, he married them; which was not more to my satisfaction, than to that of the Englishmen themselves, and indeed it was attended with all the good consequences that could be expected.

The affairs of the island being settled, I was preparing every thing for going on board when the young man whose mother had been starved, as is before mentioned, came to me saying, as he understood there was a clergyman on board, that had married the Englishmen

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men and the savages he had a match to propose between two christians, which he desired might be finished before I went. At first I thought it might be between him and his mother's maid, and began to advise him to the contrary; upon which he told me I was deceived; he had nothing to ask on his own part, but a small spot of ground for a plantation, a servant or two, and a few necessaries, and that I would not be unmindful of him when I came to England, but as for the match he then proposed to me, it was between the Englishman called Jack of all trades and his maid Susan.

I was pleased at the mentioning of this match, which was very suitable, the fellow being an industrious man, and the woman a discreet, neat, cleanly housewife; it was concluded and they were married.

As to the sharing out the land I left it to Atkins, who, indeed discharged the trust with great fidelity. As to their laws and government, I advised them to love each other, and make what further bye-laws they should think proper for their good.

At our return we called at Atkins's house, where we found the new married woman in a close conference with Atkins's wife, who had been baptized, said Atkins ' when God has finners to reconcile to himself, he is never without a teacher, for this young woman, whom providence has sent among us, has religion enough to convert a whole nation of savages.' The young woman blushed, and was going to rife, but I bade her tet still telling her I hoped God would blefs her endeavours; and so taking out of my pocket a bible, I gave it to Atkins, which he received with marks of satisfaction. After several discourses, I desired the young woman to give me an account of theanguith she felt, when starving to death in the ship, which she did in terms very pathetic.

Thus having disposed every thing on the island in the belt

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best manner possible, and given the people assurance I
would always have them in thought, and would send
supplies as often as I had opportunity, on the
1st of May, 1695, I set sail for the Brafils; but the next
day was becalmed, and looking towards the N. N. E.
of the island, we could perceive something very black
at sea, on which the mate going up the shrouds, and
taking a view with a perspective glafs, cried out, it was
an Army. An army, you fool! said I, what do you
mean? nay, sir, said he, do not be angry, for I assure
you it is not only an army, but a fleet; for I believe
there are a thousand canoes making towards us with
all speed. As they came nearer, they seemed much
surprised at the fight of our ship, not knowing what to
make of us: and we being unwilling they should come
too near, made signs for them to keep off, which they
did, but as they retired they let fly several arrows, by
which one of our men was wounded.

In a little time they had the courage to come so near
us, that they could hear us speak: on which I ordered
Friday to call to them to know what they would have,
whereupon they poured a whole cloud of arrows, on
him, several of which went quite thro' his body: and
so I left my faithful servant and most affectionate com-
panion in all my afflictions and solitude. I was so en-
raged at the death of poor Friday, that I ordered the
gunner to load with small shot, and immediately gave
them a broadside; which he did so effectually, that thir-
teen or fourteen of their canoes were overfet, and the
rest so frightened that away they flew with all the speed
they could.

Soon after we took up one poor wretch, as he was
swimming for his life; but he was so stubborn and furly
that I could not prevail on him either to eat or drink,
on which I ordered him to be thrown overboard; and
after we had taken him up the second time, he came so
far to himself, that he let us know they were going

with

with their kings to fight a great battle; and when we
asked him what made them come to us, and shoot at us?
he answered, To make de great wonder look.

Poor Friday was buried with all the pomp and decency our circumstances would allow; and having a fair wind, we made the best way to the Brafils, in a few days came to anchor in the Bay of All-Saints. With some difficulty I got on shore part of my cargo, and having fitted out a vessel with provisions for my island, settled several matters with my correspondent, we set sail for the East Indies.

When we failed for the Brafils, made directly for
the Cape of Good Hope, having a good voyage,
steering for the most part S. E. At the Cape we took
in fresh water, and failed directly for the coast of Co-
romandel. We touched at the island of Madagascar,
where, tho' the people are fierce and treacherous, yet
for some time they treated us well; and gave us com-
modities. I made it my chief business to go on shore
as often as I could to make observations; and indeed
the people treated us with so much feeming civility,
that some of the men resolved one night to stay on
shore in a tent, which they made for that purpose: for
my part, I, with some of the rest, thought it more
safe to lie in the boat.

About two o'clock in the morning, we were alarmed
with the firing of guns, and our men calling for help, or
they should be murdered.

The occasion of this fray, as we afterwards understood
by them that escaped, was this. An old woman that
sold milk, brought with her a young woman that sold
herbs, whom when the failors saw, they laid hold of her
and carried her in among the trees; on which the old
one made such a prodigious out-cry, that both men and
women came to their affiance. At the beginning the
fellow that began the fray, was killed with a lance,
tho' at first we did not know what was become of him.

A