THE

VOYAGES AND ADVENTURES

OF

HENRY LANSON.

MY father was a respectable planter in James Town, Virginia,
where I was brought up from my infancy, being scarce a twelve-
month old when my parents left their native country (Old Eng-
land), in order to take possession of the plantation which was
left him by his uncle Mr. William Lanson, who was one among
the many adventurers that went over to people the colony while
it was in its infant state.

Being the only child, I was consequently indulged in every
wish of my heart; but the lots of my mother, when I was about
twelve years old, gave a considerable damp to the pleasure I had
hitherto enjoyed; as the love which my father bore her while liv-
ing, rendered his grief insupportable on her decease; and indeed
it was not to be wondered at, as she had acquitted herself in the
important offices of wife, friend, and mother, with the greatest
propriety. Nor was her lots left lamented in the plantation;
where she dedicated all her leisure moments to removing the dif-
tresses of her fellow-creatures.

Having paid this tribute to the memory of my mother, I shall
proceed to inform my readers, that my father finding his grief
daily increase, determined to re-visit his native country; in order
to try the efficacy of a change of scene, and to have an opportu-
nity of giving me an education suitable to my future expectations.
Accordingly, as soon as his affairs could be settled, he left his
landed property in the care of a person he could confide in, and
embarked with me for England, accompanied by several male and
female slaves. The weather proved remarkably fair during the
whole of our voyage; and to add to our satisfaction, we found my
uncle and his family in good health on our arrival; soon after
which we all removed to a neat little villa near Kew, where pro-
per masters being provided, my uncle's family (which consisted
of a son and two daughters), and myself, pursued our studies
with the greatest affinity; while our leisure hours were all spent
in the cultivation of that friendship which should ever exist among
relations. A year and a half had elapsed in this agreeable man-
ner, when my father beginning to grow melancholy, for want of
employment, resolved to re-visit his plantation; and in spite of
my uncle and aunt's remonstrances to the contrary, he failed for
Virginia in a few days, leaving me with them till I should
have finished my education; where I remained until I had fully
completed my twentieth year; when my father beginning to think
my absence very long, sent for me; in compliance with whose

6 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

request, I fet fail for *James Town, Virginia*, on May 24, 1773, after having taken an affectionate farewell of my kind relations, particularly of *Eliza*, my uncle's youngest daughter; for whom I already began to feel something resembling that most powerful of all passions—love.

After a long and tedious voyage, I arrived in safety at *James Town*; where I soon found myself pressed to the throbbing bosom of a fond and delighted parent, whose eyes overflowed with gratitude to the divine creator, as he expatiated on my personal improvement since he left England. But my strong resemblance to my mother dashed away the cup of pleasure from his hand; and at length threw him into a state of melancholy; which bringing on a decline, terminated his existence in a few months after.

As soon as I had paid my last duties to my father, having no tie left to bind me to that country, both my parents being dead, I resolved to sell all my late father's plantations, by immediately putting them up to auction; which done, I procured bills of credit on some respectable houses in *London*; and having purchased a floop, I appointed for her captain an old gentleman who had been shipwrecked and lost his all, and who wanted to get over to his daughter in England. This settled, we set sail on the 18th day of March, 1774, with a firm resolution of settling in England, and to seek for happiness in the arms of my dear *Eliza*.

Previous to our departure I promised the captain, that on our safe arrival in England, I would give him the floop as a gratuity for his trouble; which proposal was received by him with joy, as he declared it would enable him to follow his former occupation.

Although my father had, on his former voyage to England, carried the greatest part of his property over, and vested it in the funds, I brought on board (including goods and cash) nearly fifteen thousand pounds, together with six flaves; who, though I had offered them their liberty, chose to remain with me. We purfued our voyage with a fair wind; when on the morning of the third day after our departure from Virginia, the captain came into my cabin; and after some preliminary discourse on the agreeable qualities of his daughter, and producing her picture, made a formal offer to me of her in marriage. At first, thinking he had been injeſt, I told him, if he was but as handsome as her portrait, I should have no objection. But my readers may naturally guess my surprize, when he proposed my entering into a bond, either to marry his daughter or forfeit the sum of thirty thousand pounds. This I peremptorily refused; and in a haughty manner demanded if he knew to whom he was talking? Upon which the captain with a supercilious air left the cabin, having first informed me, that unless I complied, I should never behold either England or the country I came from again. Had I known the law then as well as I have done since, I should have made no scruple to grant his request; as a bond obtained by force would never stand good; of which I had sufficient witneſs, as two of my flaves were present at the conversation. I spent that night, and part of the next day, in a state of anxiety, which it is impossible for any one to describe

HENRY LANSON.

7

unlefs they have been in the fame situation with myself; when
after dinner the captain entered my cabin, and renewed his pro-
pofals with redoubled ardour; but he no sooner found that I per-
fifted in refusing his offer, than he became highly incensed; and
having since our laft interview gained the ship's company over to
his intereft, he boldly told me that they had formed a refolution, as
they were now in fight of an uninhabited illand, to fet me on fhore;
where he would leave me to perifh with hunger, or by the wild
beafts of the foreft, unlefs I conſented to ſign the bond; imme-
diately adding, that as I had given him the ſhip of my own ac-
cord, he ſhould make free with the cargo at his pleafure.

Two of my flaves happened to come in behind him juſt as he
had ſpoke these words; which enraged them to ſuch a degree,
that one of them caught him in his arms, and as ſoon as the other
had opened the cabin-window, threw him into the sea. However,
as the ſhip at that time made very little way, and the captain was
an excellent ſwimmer, he preſently got up to the ſhip; and hailing
the crew, a rope was thrown out to him, and he was drawn up on
board, without any other injury than a good wet jacket. While
this was tranſacting on deck, one of my flaves went out, and
brought the other four into my cabin; which he had ſcarce done
when the captain, and a party of his men armed with piftols and
cutlafſes, rufhed in. The former immediately advanced up to the
flave who had thrown him overboard, and ſhot him dead at his
feet. A general ſkirmiſh now enfued; in which I fortunately
came off without any hurt—a circumſtance which, when I con-
fider the cloſeneſs of the place, I have often ſince wondered at.

My flaves being undifciplined, were of course ſoon overcome;
two of whom were killed, and the three others mortally wounded.
The poor fellow who opened the cabin-window, was hung up alive
at the yard-arm, wounded as he was, in order that he might perifh
by hunger, thirtſ, and heat; which horrid ſcene touched me more
than my own misfortunes; and almoſt frantic with horror, I
called to the captain, and offered him a thouſand pounds to lower
him down, that he might be cured of his wounds. At this pro-
pofal the monster laughed, and tauntingly aſked me from whence
ſo large a ſum was to come, ſince all that I had on board was then
in his poſſession. Thus, by the knavery of a villain, I found
myſelf reduced to a ſituation wherein I could only pity, but not
relieve; and therefore waited with resignation for my own deſtiny,
which ſoon arrived.

The captain having by this time diſpoſed of his prisoners, re-
entered my cabin, and once more aſked me if I would ſign the
bond? to which I reſolutely anſwered, "no;" and at the fame
time requeſted that my wounded flaves might be taken care of; to
which he churliſhly replied, that he had no ſurgeon on board;
adding, that if they did not get well ſoon, he ſhould throw them
into the ſea; but that if they recovered, he would ſell them the
ſirſt opportunity. Having faſd this, he left the cabin; and in a
few hours after, they arrived at the uninhabited illand above-men-
tioned; where I was put on ſhore. I begged hard for my two

C

May 24, 1771.
kind relations
ter; for whom
moſt powerful

ſafety at James
throbbing bo-
erflowed with
n my perſon
ing refemblanc
om his hand,
which bring-
months after.
er, having no
ts being dead,
s, by imme-
procured bills
I having pur-
ientleman who
ted to get over
il on the 18th
ling in Eng-
ar Eliza.

that on our
as a gratuity
with joy, as
occupation.

to England,
eſted it in the
cash) nearly
o, though I
th me. We
orning of the
ain came into
the agreeable
made a for-
g he had been
er portrait, I
urally gueſs
nd, either to
and pounds.
er demanded
the captain
formed me,
England or
law then as
ple to grant
ſtand good;
were preſent
next day, in
to describe

8 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

remaining flaves, but in vain; as the only boon this perfidious
captain would grant me, was a box of clothes; for which favour
I did not thank him, as I expected to become the prey of some
wild beaſt every moment.

The ſhip now ſet fail, and left me ſitting on the ſhore diſconſo-
late, and alone. It was no ſooner out of ſight, than my grief
becoming too great for me to ſupport, I ſell back on the ground in
a ſtate of inſenſibility; from which torpid ſituation I was rouſed
ſoon after by a wave, which had been brought on by the tide,
breaking over me. I aroſe hardly ſenſible of what I was about,
or where I was, and ran to a rıſing ground; where I was enabled
to take a full view of my deplorable ſituation. However, a ſew
moments recolleſion reconciled me to my ſate; and upon re-
ſlection, I could not help admiring the ſingular interpoſition of
providence in my favour; for nothing but that could induce the
captain (who might ſo easily have put an end to my life) to act in
the manner he did. Filled with theſe ideas, I ſell on my knees,
and thanked the almighty ruler of the earth for his goodneſs to-
ward me. I then aroſe, and advanced to an adjacent hillock,
which lay a little to the left, in order to diſcover ſome place where
I might reſt in ſecurity from the attacks of the wild beaſts, with
which I made no doubt this island was inſeſted; without once con-
fidering the impropriability of ſuch a diſcovery.

Though the ſun darted his ſterſe rays on me, and ſoon dried
my clothes, yet it was declining apace—a circumſtance which in-
duced me to look about with eager expectation for ſome kind of
ſhelter. At length, to my no ſmall ſatification, I diſcovered the
ruins of a building a little farther up the country; and upon ad-
vancing nearer, I found it to be what I wıſhed for—an aſylum.

Nevertheless, I dreaded to enter; and although the door ſtood
open, I remained trembling a long time at the entrance; nor
ſhould I have had the courage to go in at all, had not the ſudden
hallooing of a human voice behind me forced me forward, re-
gardleſs of the danger within, in order to avoid that which
threatened without; and upon obſerving a great chair ſtanding
near the entrance, formed of a diversity of irregular ſtones, and
covered with a great heap of leaves, I threw myſelf into it, to
reſt my weary limbs, and regain my agitated ſpirits. As ſoon
as I had recovered from my ſurpriſe, I began to look fearfully
round the apartment I was in; when, as the ſun ſhone pretty
bright through the holes in the wall, I could perfectly diſcover
every thing in the place. Before me was a heap of ſtones, on
which was laid a greater, forming a maffy rude kind of table,
placed juſt near enough to lean on; and upon which ſtood a large
ſiſh-ſhell full of water; which, as I was extremely dry, I drank
off without any ceremony; and found myſelf greatly ſeſſhed
thereby. I then purſued my examination more cloſely, and found
in a nook to my right hand, a kind of couch formed of the very
ſame materials as the table, the flat part or ſurface covered with
moſs and leaves. All theſe concurring circumſtances made me
instantly conclude that the place I had entered was the habitation

HENRY LANSON.

9

of an hermit; and under the pleasing expectation of his return
(which, as the right was drawing on apace, could not be far dif-
tant), I again sat down in the arm-chair, and endeavoured to
rally my almost exhausted spirits, by singing a short Latin hymn
of praise to my creator.

The moon was now risen, and phone with so clear a light, that
I scarcely misled the greater luminary, but still no hermit ap-
peared, and my patience began to be almost exhausted; when I ob-
ferved a book lying on the table; which, from the place I found
it in, I concluded to be one of devotion; but on opening it, had
the agreeable surprize of finding it to be a manuscript of the her-
mit's own writing; in the first leaf of which was an addres to
the person who should find it; informing them, that after having
lived on that uninhabited island near fifty years, the writer had,
on finding his end fast approaching, retired to another stone room;
where he should lay himself down, patiently to await the moment
when his immortal part should burst the limits of its earthly pri-
son. As this address was dated by the month and year, it ap-
peared to have been written rather better than a month before
my arrival. I of course concluded the hermit to be dead, and
therefore no longer gave way to the agreeable idea of conversing
once more with a human being like myself; and in order to di-
vert the disagreeable reflections which at that moment crowded on
my mind, I again opened the book; and at the bottom of the
fame page as the address was wrote on, found a reference to the
189th page of the manuscript; which upon turning to, I found
contained directions how to procure submittence day by day, and
how to guard against the savages who visited the island only once
a year; concluding with the pleasing information, that there were
no wild beaks or noxious animals to annoy those whom misfortune
or necessity might compel to fix their residence on that island.

As the time mentioned for the savages visitation was not to take
place for nearly two months to come, I looked upon myself as
perfectly secure; and having shut the door, I fastened it with a
heavy stone that lay close to it, and which I supposed to have been
used for that purpose by the tenant himself.

Coming back from the door, I spied a heap of Indian roots,
which the hermit in his manuscript had declared to be an excellent
substitute for bread. These, as some of them had been roasted,
and still remained good, being very hungry, I ate heartily, and
drank more of the water; with which feafonable repair I found
myself considerably refreshed; and as the moon still shone very
bright, I again sat down; and pulling out a Greek Testament,
which I always carried about me, read a chapter therein; and af-
ter having said my prayers, I laid myself on the stone couch with
more compofure than I think it was possible for the cruel captain
to do, who had reduced me to my present solitary situation. Sleep
foon clofed my eyes, and I did not wake till the sun was risen.
My spirits were then quite compofed; and after I had performed
my devotions, I quitted the cell, and walked toward the sea-shore,
in order to see what was become of my cheft; though with but

TO LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

little hopes of seeing it again, as I was apprehensive it had been
washed away by the tide. However, after some search, I had the
satisfaction to see it, almost buried in the sands; but being un-
able to move it, I was not much better for the discovery. I there-
fore returned to my cell, ate some of the roots, and drank a little
water; after which I fat down, and began to reflect in what man-
ner I should either remove the cheft, or take my clothes from
thence. I at length resolved to break it open; but here another
difficulty started. I had only a small knife in my pocket, which
of course was not strong enough to cut through the thick planks
of a sea-chest; but as the idea of going naked was by no means
one of the most agreeable in my mind, I looked eagerly round my
rude-built mansion; but, to my infinite mortification, was not
able to find any thing that suited my purpose. However, another
care now engaged my attention. My roots began to grow low,
what was good of them; and I again applied to the hermit's ma-
nuscript; by which I soon found, that there was a flint and steel
in the cell; and also, that there was a rivulet of fresh water at a
small distance, that ebbed and flowed once in four-and-twenty
hours. I also learnt from the same narrative, that the hermit
made use of the shell of a certain fish for a lamp, in which he
burnt goats fat as a substitute for oil, and made his wick of a
peculiar kind of weed, which grew plentifully in most parts of
the island. The mention which I had just seen of goats fat
made me desirous of finding out in what manner he obtained it
from those animals. I accordingly read over several leaves; till
at length, when my patience was nearly exhausted, I came to a
memorandum; by which I learnt, that when he first came to the
island, he found a plenty of goats; but so wild, that although he
used every stratagem he could possibly devise, he was not able to
catch any of them, till one day (after having observed them to be
very fond of a yellow fruit that grew on several trees in the island)
the idea struck him, that if he was to gather some of it, he might
be able to entice many of them to his cell, and there tame and
bring them up for his use. This idea no sooner occurred, than he
in immediately put it in execution; and upon gathering some of it
found, to his infinite satisfaction, that they would follow him up
and down like a dog, and would permit him (if he lay plenty of
the fruit before them) to milk them while they fed. The hermit
concluded his memorandum, with observing that from that mo-
ment he was never without either goats flesh or milk, always
making it his care to provide against that part of the year when
the fruit would fail, by gathering a large quantity before hand.
The information which I received from this curious perusal of the
manuscript gave me infinite pleasure; which was considerably
augmented when, upon renewing my search, I found the steel and
flint, and near them some dry leaves and touchwood; as it would
afford me an opportunity of getting at my clothes, by burning
that end of the cheft which lay upon the sands exposed to the sea,
as it was too heavy for me to remove through my own strength.
A circumstance however soon after occurred, that rendered this me-

RES OF

HENRY LANSON.

II

thod unnecessary. One morning, as I was walking by the sea-side, looking at it, and revolving in my mind the moat practicable means of getting at its contents, I was roused from my reverie by a sudden and tremendous clap of thunder, which seemed to burst over my head; when looking toward the sea, I perceived it to be violently agitated.

The waves of the sea dashing furiously upon the shore, obliged me to retreat back to a considerable distance; when, to my infirmity distreffs, I saw my cheft toffed to and fro by the waves; and expected every moment to see it carried away into the ocean; but it was in reality removed farther on shore, till at last it got totally out of fight; when I returned to my cell almost frantic with despair, as I now looked upon it to be lost for ever to me.

However, the storm having subfided during the night, I arofe as soon as it was light the next morning, and repaired toward the sea-shore with the melancholy hopes that some part of my cheft, and its property, might still be left behind; but, alas! all was clear, and I had given over all hopes; when upon climbing some high rocks that lay to my left, in order to take a survey of the country, to my inexpreffible joy I found my cheft lodged on the top of one of the lower ones. Being fatigued with getting up, I fat down to reft my self; and perceiving that there was a deep and rugged dell on the other side, but level with the reft of the island (aithough I was terrified at the idea of being near so dangerous a precipice), the thought immediately occurred, that if I could push the cheft down, the fall might break it; when I should be able to get the contents without any further trouble.

At first I was afraid to put my purpofed plan into execution, left I should tumble over with it. However, I at length muftered sufficient refolution; and having with some trouble got down to the part of the rock where it was lodged, I laid my self on the ground close by it; and at last, after several attempts, luckily succeeded in throwing it over; which I had no sooner done, than I scrambled down the rock as well as I was able, and with much difficulty found my way to the valley; where, as the ground was extremely rugged, I had the satisfaction of finding my cheft broke to pieces. Pleafed at my project having succeeded so well, I immediately fet about removing the contents—a job which, with the neceffary occupation of gathering roots and other vegetables which grew in the island, took up the whole of my time for three or four days; and which, as it confifed of wearing apparel, a few caſes of liquor, and some working implements, proved to me on this occasion a moſt valuable acquifition.

I had no sooner ſtored my new-acquired riches in safety, than I began to try the lamp-shells which I had found, according to the directions in the manuſcript; when upon lighting them, I had the pleasure to find that they burnt exceeding well. However, as the goats fat began to grow ſcarce, I refolved on feeking the yellow fruit of which the hermit had made mention, in order to entice some of the goats to my habitation. Accordingly I fet out the next day on my intended excursion. I had not gone far, be-

C 3

32

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

fore I had the good fortune to meet with several trees which bore that fruit in great quantities, and many goats feeding under it, who as I advanced ran away to a little distance, and then stood still, as if to watch my proceedings. The most difficult part was climbing the tree, I being in so weak a state; in which however I at length succeeded; and after having broke off several boughs, got down in perfect safety; which the goats no sooner perceived, than they came running full speed toward me, as if they wanted to see what I had got for them. I no sooner saw this than I flung the boughs down, and clapped my foot on them to prevent the goats dragging them away. I then tried, while they were feeding, to milk one of them; which, after many awkward attempts, I at length accomplished, and found myself considerably refreshed with the wholesome beverage which the innocent animal afforded me. I repeated the practice several times; and having drank my fill, contrived to carry home some for another time.

Several days now passed in the alternate employments of milking the goats, and carrying home the yellow fruit; of which (as I did not know how soon the season for its failing might arrive) I was resolved to lay in a large stock. During this period I sub-fished entirely on the goats milk, and what roots I picked up in the course of my perambulation. But though I found myself refreshed thereby, yet still something more substantial was wanting to recruit the strength I had lost through the extreme fatigue and trouble I had undergone; and as there was a knife fit for the purpose in my cell, I set out a few days after; although the thoughts of killing an innocent animal, who had afforded me such reasonable relief, almost deterred me from my purpose; and after many fruitless attempts (having first taken care to entice one of them out of the fight of the relief, left they should hun me for the future), I succeeded in killing it. But now a new difficulty occurred; namely, to skin, and cut it up; which however, as I had plenty of time on my hands, I at length accomplished, though in a bungling manner. I then carried it home; where having plenty of wood, I made up a good fire; and roasting some of it, ate a hearty meal, after having previously offered up the most fervent thanks to the divine donor thereof for all the benefits I had hitherto received at his hands. Then, as I could not eat the remainder while it was fresh, I put it in salt; of which I found plenty on the rocks by the sea-side.

I was now rich in point of animal food; but as I found the stock of roots which the hermit had laid in was nearly consumed, my next business was to provide a fresh supply, of which I soon found plenty; and having gathered some, I roasted them, and then laid them up in store against the inclement season should set in.

Having completed this essential piece of business, I spent a few hours every day in the perusal of the hermit's manuscript; from which I learnt at length the pleasing intelligence, that there was always not only a great plenty of shell-fish on the shore, but that a great number of other fish were left every tide in the holes and shallows. I had no sooner read this, than I repaired to the

HENRY LANSON.

13

fea-shore, and brought home some of each fort; which upon taft-
ing, I found to be extremely delicious; particularly, a kind of
shell-fish like our oyfters in England, which needed no dresſing. I
now found myſelf well ſtored with ſiſh and ſleſh; and ſoon after
obtained the means of procuring a variety of birds, eſpecially ſome
of the lark kind, by purſuing the directions of the hermit, as
follows. From ſeveral of the trees which grew in the isſland, there
iſſued a kind of glutinous matter; which I gathered, and be-
ſimeared the little low brambles and buſhes with it; and by that
means caught the birds, who ſed on the berries which they yielded;
and thus, at a moment when I thought myſelf on the point of
ſtaring, I found a plentiful table ſpread before me by the all-
bountiful hand of the divine ruler of the univerſe; while the
cheering reflection baniſhed every diſagreeable idea from my mind,
and I purſued my little concerns with a heart reſplete with grati-
tude and content.

Having now ſettled my manner of living, I began to find my-
ſelſ very comfortably ſituated; when the idea that the ſeafon was
approaching whole inclemency would deprive me of the ſupply
which I received from the birds and ſiſh, particularly as the rain,
which I found from the manuſcript ſet in at that ſeafon for many
weeks, would confine me to my cell, destroyed my peace of mind;
and I ſat o'erwhelmed with melancholy till the night cloſed in,
when I threw myſelf on my bed; which was made of moſs, and
covered with the ſkin of the goat which I had killed; but could
not reſt. In the morning I found myſelf attacked by a violent
fever, attended with a delirium. I raved, I cried, I laughed, by
turns; in which ſituation I remained ſeveral weeks, when I fell into
a deep ſleep; and upon my recovery was ſo extremely weak, that
it was with the utmoſt difficulty I raſed myſelf up in my bed.
However, unable to bear the intolerable thirtſ which oppreſſed me
(as during my illneſs I drank all the water I had by me), I de-
termined on repairing to the rivulet, let what would be the conſe-
quence; whither with much difficulty I at length arrived, crawl-
ing on my hands and knees, and frequently ſtopping to reſt.

The fight of the water gave me inexpreſſible pleasure; and I
greedily thought there would not be ſufficient to allay the violence
of my thirtſ. I had laid myſelf flat on my belly, by the edge of
it; and while I drank, had the additional pleasure of cooling my
hands and face. At length my thirtſ was allayed, although I
had not dried up the rivulet, as I thought I should; when pleafed
with its reſrefhing coolneſs, I dabbled in it for ſome time; till at
laſt being ſufficiently tired, I threw myſelf on the bank, and
ſoon after fell into a deep ſleep; in which ſtate of torpidity I re-
mained, as I ſuppoſed, ſeveral hours; when I awoke in a violent
ſweat, ſtill thirty, but not to ſo great a degree as before; and, to
my no ſmall comfort, found myſelf a little ſrefreshed thereby. My
ſatisfaction alſo was confiderably increaſed, on beholding a ſhe-
goat aſleep, very near me; to which I immediately crawled as ſaſt
as I was able, and ſucked her milk. This proved to me, at first,
a ſeafonable relief; but I ſoon after grew exceeding ſick, and vo-

OF

trees which to
feeding under
e, and then the
difficult part
which however
ever perceived,
if they wanted
this than I fl
m to prevent
le they were fe
wkward attempt
fiderably reſe
nt animal affor
having drank
ne.

payments of mil
it; of which
ing might arri
this period I fl
ots I picked up
found myſel
iall was wan
trreme fatigue
a knife fit for
er; although t
afforded me ſi
irpofe; and al
le to entice one
d ſhun me for
new difficulty
however, as I
liſhed, though
er having pla
ſome of it, at
the moſt fer
fits I had hithe
at the remain
found plenty

but as I found
nearly conſi
d of which I ſo
ed them, and the
should ſet in,
ſs, I ſpent a
manuſcript; fr
ne, that there
n the ſhore,
y tide in the ba
I repaired to

14

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

mitied violently. However, I found my fever had left me entirely; and reflecting on the imminent danger I had escaped from, I lifted up my heart to God, and thanked him in the most fervent manner for his mercy. I then attempted to get up, and walk to my cell; but found myself too weak to effect a journey I so much wished for; and all I was able to do, was to sit up sometimes a little. The heat of the sun soon dried my clothes, but as the violence of its rays could not be borne long, I was forced to crawl under the shade of some trees that grew on the banks of the river; which task, although they were not above two or three yards off, took me some time in performing. The cool breezes, which came upon me from the river while I remained in this situation, refreshed me greatly; and I once more fell asleep.

I awoke soon after, and found myself not only quite recovered from my late illneſs, but my ſtrength so much reſtored as to be able to walk on flowly to my cell; whither, after often ſtopping by the way, I arrived at laſt in safety. After I had reſtred some time, I thought of the caſe of liquors which I had ſaved out of my cheſt, and made ſhift to reach it; when taking a bottle of wine from thence, I drank ſome of it, but as I had no water to mix with it, it proved too ſtrong for my ſtomach to stay there. Finding my inſide thus empty, I reſolved to try my root-bread; and cutting a ſlice of it, I dipped it in the wine; when eating ſparingly of it, I had the ſatisfaction to find that it agreed with, and reſhred me greatly. In this manner I ſublifted for ſeveral days; when finding my ſtrength a little recruited, I walked about my cell with the aſſistance of two ſticks. I then took ſome of the yellow fruit which I had laid in ſfore, and placed it before the door, in order to draw ſome of the goats thither, taking care to put ſome ſtones on the boughs, leaſt they ſhould drag them away. I had not waited long before a ſhe-goat came; whom I milked, and drank a large ſhell-full of it, with a bit of my root-bread. By purſuing this course regularly every day, I found myſelf, at the expiration of another week, almost as well and ſtrong as I had been before my illneſs.

Having now a good deal of time on my hands, I fat down one day with the intention of perusing the hermit's manuſcript from beginning to end; but on finding that it would employ me a long while, I once more looked haſtily over it, in order to learn when, and what kind of winter I had to look forward to; when I diſcovered by my perusal, that I had at leaſt fix months fine weather to expect, with the exception of ſome heavy ſtorms of thunder and lightning; which circumſtance ſerved to confirm me in my former intention; and I dedicated a few hours every day, as I had ſo much time before me, to the perusal of the hermit's hiftory; whom I found, by the many pious expreſsions which were intermixed in the thread of his narration (though I cailed him an hermit, on account of his reſcued life), I might more properly have termed one for his ſingular piety and devotion.

The first forty years of his life had been unhappily ſpent in a course of uſeleſs follies—in crimes that had been very near bringing

HENRY LANSON.

15

him to an untimely end; but for his unexpectedly receiving his freedom (if his passing the last fifty years of his life on an uninhabited island could be called a state of liberty), at a moment when he looked forward to nothing short of final dissolution. However, his refiding on this spot had at length proved the happy means of his conversion. The remainder of the manuscript was filled up with reflections replete with sensibility and piety; and at once of so useful and pertinent a nature, that they would have operated on the heart of the most abandoned, and done credit to the most dignified promulgator of the Christian religion.

My cell I found, from the account which the hermit gave of it, was one of many; the whole forming, as he conjectured, the ruins of an ancient temple, which had formerly been dedicated to the fun; a statue, or remembrance of which he mentioned as standing at a considerable distance from the place of my abode; and which, from the observations he had made, he found the Indians belonging to another island visited annually, in order to pay adoration to. This account, instead of alarming me, only served to inflame my curiosity; for having an almanac by me, I kept an exact reckoning in point of time; and found, by the hermit's account, that there was nearly three weeks to come before the time for the Indians annual visitation should arrive.

I retired to bed, full of my intended expedition; and after a restlefs night, arose betimes in the morning; when having put some roots in my pocket, and a shell to drink out of, I began with a review of some of those which were situated the nearest to my cell. These confited of two kinds; the one well lighted with holes on one side, and the others dark and gloomy. Curiosity impelled me to inquire into the cause of this distinction; and I turned back to my habitation, in order to fetch from it one of my lamps lighted. Upon my return, I found that the latter places were surrounded with a kind of mummies, something similar to those which I had read of in the history of the Egyptians. They were placed upright, as close as possible round the respective tenements, without touching one another. They were also richly ornamented with various drawings of birds, beaks, insects, and other things, together with an infinite number of Indian characters; from which, as I had attained a competent knowledge of the Indian language during my residence at Virginia, I soon learned that they had been priests of the fun; as they had inscribed on each of them the name of the priest, his age, and the time of his death. By the fame means I also found, that most of them had lain there nearly a thousand years. At the head of each lay a kind of coronet; which, upon examination, I found to be made of pure gold. After I had sufficiently satisfied my curiosity in the perusal of these mementos of mortality, I bent my course to another range of vaults, which I found filled with stone coffins placed above one another, about the height of four, with juft room to pafs between them. There was nothing remained of the deceased but their ashes. After some time spent in fruitlefs inquiry into the rank of the person they contained, at length I discovered an

16

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

inscription at the head of each coffin; from which I learned, that they held the remains of the virgins of the fun. I continued my journey for some time, without finding any thing but these kind of cells on each side, amounting in the whole to several hundreds. At length I came to a groupe, confining of about a hundred of a different shape, and containing only one mummy each; which, upon inspection, I found to be the separate receptacles of the high priests. They had a crown on their heads; and an emblem of the fun, rudely carved, was suspended by a chain on their breasts; while over the head of each hung a lamp; all which articles were of solid gold. The lamps were still burning, and reminded me of what I had read concerning the perpetual ones of the ancients.

I had spent so much time in the examination of these curiosities, that the day had begun to decline without my perceiving it, and I was obliged to poistpone my further progress till the next morning. I then returned toward my solitary cell, bufily employed in reflecting on what I had juft been in the dreary manifications of the dead. It was therefore nearly dark before I reached it; when upon opening the door, to my no small aftonishment, I saw a light in my abode; and at the fame time discovered a venerable old man, with a long beard, in the action of faying his prayers. Terrified at his appearance, which I concluded to be nothing else but a ghost, I uttered a loud exclamation, and dropped on the ground in a state of infenibility. My fall alarmed the hermit; whom I found, upon my recovery, fitting by me, and supporting me in his arms. As soon as I was brought-to, he bade me be of good cheer; affuring me, at the fame time, that if I ftood in need of protection, I might command what little was in the power of a feeble old man like himself to beftow. By this time I was a little composed; when he brought a shell, that had some wine in it; and after he had pledged me, reached it to me to drink.

We then entered into difcourse together; when the hermit declared (upon my questioning the reality of his exiftence), that had he not been convinced, by my late swooning, that I was a mortal like himself, he fshould in his turn have taken me for a ſpirit; which gave me an opportunity to inform him of the whole of my adventures, from the firſt moment of my being fet on the island to my meeting with him. The hermit expressed great satisfaction, when he found that the manuscript he had left behind him had been of such effential service to me; and then proceeded to inform me, that thinking his end had been near, he walked out with the intention of going to one of the many dormitories with which the island abounded, and there wait in patience his approaching diffolution; but as he was going thither, he was seized with a kind of delirium, and wandered up and down without knowing what he did. He had, however, long intervals of ſenſe; but the only advantage he reaped from them, was to gather fruits to satisfy his hunger, and ſeek for water to allay his thirst. He likewife informed me, that in the course of his rambles he supposed he had wandered to a more remote part of the island; though once indeed he fancied he must be near his cell, when he imagined that he saw

HENRY LANSON.

17

a human being, like himself, standing at the door. In consequence of which supposition, he hallooed as loud as he was able; when the figure vanished like lightning from his fight. He then concluded his narration with informing me, that having at length recovered his senses, he had, at the close of day, found the way back to his cell; and that on finding one of my lamps, he had lighted it; and had kneeled down, in order to say his prayers, when the noise I made in my fall put an end to his devotions.

The hermit's recounting the circumstance of his hallooing, when he saw a human being standing before the door of his cell, convinced me that it must have been his voice that terrified me so much on my first discovery of the place, as I have before related; and when I informed him of it, he joined with me in regretting the timidity which had deprived us of the pleasure of conversing together sooner. The night being far advanced, we took a flight repaid of goats' flesh, and then retired to rest; the hermit on the stone couch (which situation I prevailed on him to accept of with much difficulty), and myself in the chair, fatigued with my late excursion. The fun had made pretty good progress in his day's journey, before I awoke; when perceiving my new companion still extended on the couch, I rose from my seat, and went out softly, for fear of waking him, to procure some goats' milk for our breakfast. However having, on my return, waited a considerable time without observing the least signs of motion, I began to be alarmed; and upon drawing near, had the mortification to find that he was really dead; which fatal event I felt the more severely, as I had promised myself much pleasure and instruction from his conversation.

I directly set about removing the different utensils out of that cell into another; where I found every thing as convenient as the one I just quitted, excepting that I had the trouble of gathering fresh moats and leaves to lay on the couch.

Having completed my job, I shut the door; and spent the remainder of the day in closing up the entrance with loose stones; which I at length effected in so strong a manner, that it was impossible for any human creature to enter. This done, I retired to rest, and arose betimes the next morning; when having taken what provisions I thought necessary, I set out once more on my journey. Nothing new occurred worthy of observation, till I came within fight of the idol; when I perceived the size and make of the buildings to differ much from that of those I had seen before, being much larger; from which I concluded that they must have been the apartments of the priests. From the observations I made in the course of my journey, I have every reason to believe that this temple had never been raised higher than one story; which accounted in some measure for the amazing extent of ground which it covered. The idol, at the foot of which I at length arrived, was situated, as nearly as I can guess, about a mile from the place of my abode; from whence I reckon the temple begun, as I found no more apartments, but the remains of a wall, which had formerly surrounded the idol, and left a large area in the

18

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

middle; in the centre of which ftood this figure, on an ascent of thirty ftone fteps. The image itfelf was made of gold, and ex-
ceeded the human fize in a moft prepofterous degree. It reſem-
bled a man clad in a long robe, which reached down to the pedef-
tal on which it ſtood. It was girt about the waif as with a gir-
dle, and gathered on each breaſt into a point; where it was faſ-
tened with a couple of rich diamonds. The neck and boſom
were left bare, like thofe of a woman. On the head was placed a
crown of gold and precious ſtones, wrought in a moſt curious
manner; and between the breaſts hung pendant an image of the
fun, carved in gold. The right hand ſupported the figure of a
new moon, while the left held a cluſter of ſtars formed of rubies,
emeralds, diamonds, and other ſtones of moſt prodigious value.
On the pedeſtal was wrote, in large *Indian* characters—THE ORA-
CLE OF THE SUN. Upon throwing a ſtone, I found that the
image was hollow.

My curioſity being now ſufficiently ſatisfied, I ſet out on my
return home again; when I had not gone far before my foot ſtruck
againſt ſomething, and I ſell down. However, I got up again
unhurt; and upon turning round to ſee what it was I had tum-
bled over, found that it was a large iron bar. I immediately re-
moved the earth, and diſcovered a kind of trap-door of the fame
metal of which the iron bar was a part, and two ſtrong bolts. I
endeavoured to force them open with ſtones; and at length, after
much toil and difficulty, they being covered with ruſt, ſucceeded;
which done, I with infinite labour pulled up the door; when a
ſtone ſtair-cafe preſented itſelf; down which I went a few ſteps;
but, as it led me under the earth, it ſoon became too dark for
me to proceed; and I was obliged to re-ascend, without being
able to ſatisfy the curioſity which this ſingular occurrence had ex-
cited. When I had got to the top, I ſhut the door down, care-
fully covering it with the earth as before. I then made the beſt
of my way home; and returned the next day, with three ſhell-
lamps and a tinder-box.

I got the door open with much leſs difficulty this time than be-
fore, and immediately defcended the ſtair-cafe; when, upon get-
ting to the bottom, I loft fight of the lamp above. I then ſtruck
a light; and having lit my three lamps, I ſet one at the bottom
of the ſtair-cafe, and another about the middle, in order to ren-
der the gloomineſs of the paſſage as agreeable as poſſible. I then
proceeded with my third lamp and the tinder-box, to provide
againſt the accident of their going out. The paſſage was ex-
tremely narrow, but high enough to admit a perſon of the moſt
gigantic ſize. On each ſide an infinite number of niches appeared
to view, cut out of the earth; which, upon examination, I found
contained a great number of rings, lamps, and crowns, all of
pure gold; and a little farther I diſcovered a kind of wardrobe,
wherein was hung up a prodigious quantity of ſacred veſtments;
which were formed of narrow plated gold, curiouſly twiſted to-
gether like net-work; and as the place was exceeding dry, they
were ſcarcely tarniſhed. Some among this numerous aſſortment

OF

HENRY LANSON.

19

were of a more curious workmanship than the rest, being considerably larger, sprinkled over with precious stones, and itudded here and there with a large diamond, after the fame fashion as that of the fun; near the richeft of which lay a crown of most exquisite make, decorated with precious stones of a variety of shapes and colours; with a larger one on the top, that emitted from all parts of it a light much stronger than that of my lamp. There also ftood in one corner a golden rod, with a finall image on the top of it. The richneſs of these laſt ornaments made me conclude that they had belonged to the principal high-prieſt; and in which opinion I was fully confirmed, upon ſeeing them advance at the head of their people a ſhort time after, when the Indians paid their annual visitation to the island.

Having by this time ſatisfied my curioſity, by looking at things which in my preſent ſituation I knew would avail nothing, I walked on a little farther, when I came to another flight of stairs; which I immediately ascended, but not without wondering whither they would take me. They were very ſteep and narrow, and led me up at length into the image of the fun; when having got quite into the body of it, and placed my head within the head of it, I perceived that there were holes through the noſe, eyes, mouth, and ears of it; which enabled me to take a full view of the island before me. Nay, I even thought that I had a faint glimpſe of the ſea; and although it was at a considerable diſtance, yet the fight of it excited a fond remembrance of the dear connexions I had left behind me in Europe. My aftonifhment was ſo great at what I had ſeen, that I could not avoid expreſſing my ſurprife; but it was considerably augmented on finding my ſelf nearly ſtunned with the ſound of my own voice. However, being recovered from my ſurprife, I tried the effect of it ſeveral times; and found that it was conſtructed in ſo wonderful a manner, as to augment the ſound even of a whifper to the highest pitch of the most vociferous orator. Pleafed with the newneſs of this diſcovery, I next attempted to ſing a favourite Latin hymn of mine in my uſual pitch of voice; but was ſoon glad to lower my key, as the ſound was by far too much for my ears to bear.

The day however beginning to decline apace, made me think about descending, in order to return before the night ſhould fet in upon me; which I accordingly effected; and having reached my cell, as I was much fatigued, retired to reſt directly. Having enjoyed a good night's repofe, I aroſe a few hours after the fun; when chancing to look over my almanac while I ſat at breakfaſt, I found that the time began now to draw near when the Indians were to land, in order to pay their annual visit to the idol which I had ſeen the preceding day; which unwelcome piece of information immediately put me upon contriving how I ſhould conceal myſelf during their ſtay in the island. 'Tis true I learned, from the hermit's manuſcript, that during the fifty years of his refidence on this spot, he had uſed no other method of concealment, than that of remaining quite cloſe within his abode till their reembarkation for their native country had taken place. But this was,

D

20

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

in my opinion, a plan by no means to be depended on; and I immediately concluded within myself, that nothing but his ignorance of the subterraneous paſſage I had discovered could have prevented his seeking for so complete an asylum. Impressed with this notion, I immediately formed a resolution of retiring to that place; which I had no sooner fixed on, than a strange thought occurred; namely, to ascend into the idol; and by speaking from thence (as I was a sufficient master of the Indian language for that purpose), to convert them from their idolatry. But as this was an affair of too much importance to be entered on rafſhly, I resolved to weigh it over several days in my mind before I atTEMPTED to put my ſcheme in execution.

The day at length arrived; on the preceding evening of which I retired to my hiding place, with the fixed determination of carrying my new plan into execution the first opportunity that offered. As I knew not how long I might be detained there through necessity, I took care to bring a plentiful supply of roots and roasted fleah along with me.

My first care was to faften the two infide bolts of the door after me; which done, I walked on till I came to the foot of the ſtature. I then pulled off my ſhocs, to prevent my making a noife in changing my poſture as I fat; where, as my mind was too much agitated with the expectation of what might happen on the ensuing day to give the leaſt way to ſleep, I ſpent the remainder of the night (which was a charming moon-light one) in contemplating the beautiful prospect which the illand prefented to my view.

At length the day began to dawn, and I continued for some time to wait the Indians arrival; when a loud and tremendous clap of thunder broke all of a sudden juſt over my head; which proved only an introduction to a more violent hurricane than any I had hitherto seen. It was accompanied with an earthquake that shook the whole illand, and filled me with the greatest conſternaſtation; as I expected every moment to be ſwallowed up. Indeed I muſt own, that at this point of time my wonted courage began to fail me very much. The ſtorm ſtill continuing, I went back again into the paſſage, where I fat myſelf down; and as I then found, by the motion of the ground, that the earthquake ſtill remained, I recommended my better part into the hands of God, under the full perſuafion that ere long I ſhould be buried alive in the earth; in which ſituation I remained ſeveral hours; when at length the earthquake ſubſided, but the thunder ſtill continued, though with longer intervals of ſilence than before.

As soon as I perceived this, I aroſe from the ground, and once more ascended the image. I looked out for the Indians; but as I ſaw no ſigns of their approach, I immediately concluded that they would not be able to come at all this time. While I fat here, I perceived the earth to ſhake again. Alarmed at this, I defcended once more into the paſſage; resolving to quit this subterraneous place, at the hazard of meeting with the Indians, and incurring their utmoſt vengeance, rather than run the riſque of being buried in the bowels of the earth. Having loft my lamp in my fright, it

ES OF

HENRY LANSON.

21

was with the utmost difficulty that I groped my way out to the stairs that led up to the trap-door, which I ascended; and upon coming to it, endeavoured to undo the bolts; but as they were large and ruity, I found some difficulty in forcing them back. However, at length they both yielded; when, upon my going to push the door upward, I found, to my infinite terror and dismay, that it would not give way, although I used every effort in my power to force it open. It immediately occurred to me, that the earthquake had misplaced some of the earth, and so choked the door up. In short I resigned myself up for loft, and gave way to the feverest reflections on my own conduct; till at length, tired with tormenting thoughts, I, without knowing what I did, ascended again into the paflage; when I had not gone far, before my foot kicked against something; which upon feeling for, I found to be my tender-box; and clove by it, one of my lamps. This discovery gave me inexpresstible joy. Having struck fire, and lighted my lamp, I went forth once more, though with but a very faint hope of successes, to examine the door of my prison, as I now termed it; when I discovered that one of the bolts was not quite drawn back. My hopes of freedom were now revived; and quite confirmed when, upon drawing them back, to my inexpresstible happiness, I found myself able to lift up the door.

I had no sooner got out of the cavern, than I returned thanks to God for my deliverance from the imminent danger I was so lately threatened with; and then, as the day was fast declining, I set out with the intention of returning home to my cell; but found that the whole remains of the palace which I had left standing but the day before (including the cell which I inhabited, and that wherein the hermit was entombed) had been thrown down by the violence of the earthquake. Though I was a little chagrined at the lots of my tenement, yet I could not help admiring, with heartfelt gratitude, this singular interposition of providence in my favour, by detaining me in the subterraneous paflage; to which fortunate circumstance I owed my not having been buried in the ruins of my abode.

The idea of living under ground was by no means agreeable to me; but as there was no alternative, I was forced to put up with it. Accordingly, after I had removed the rubbish from my cell, and took what provision and other neceffaries which remained unhusped from thence, I returned to my new habitation with a heavy heart; when having fastened the door, I lighted the five other lamps, which I had brought with me; but these, in addition to the first three, were not strong enough to diffipate the gloominefs of the place. Another inconvenience also happened, to increase my vexation; which was, that owing to its being too late in the feafon to procure leaves, I was obliged to take up my lodging on the bare ground; but however having had no reft on the preceding night, I soon fell asleep.

I awoke the next morning; when taking up one of my lamps that was still burning, I walked to the foot of the stairs that led up to the statue; and upon ascending into it, found that the fun

22

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

had been risen some time, and that it was an exceeding fine calm
morning. However, I had not been long there, before I heard a
prodigious clamour of voices; and upon looking forward, dif-
covered the *Indians* advancing at a distance.

I must own, that the fight of them so unexpectedly, startled me
at first, as there was a great number of them, men, women, and
children; who, as they drew nearer, formed themselves into ranks,
the oldest men first, and then the young ones. After these were
ranged the women, in like order; and lastly, the children (no in-
fants), the boys first, and the girls last. The whole body was
preceded by nine aged men drested in the prieſtly habits, headed by
an old man, so extremely feeble that he was obliged to be ſup-
ported by two others. Having formed themselves after this
faſhion, they came on flowly, and with a moſt profound ſilence;
which mode of marching favoured my purpose greatly, at it gave
me plenty of time to compose and prepare my ſelf for the mighty
undertaking, which I was now fully resolved to put in execution.
As soon as they had come within a few yards of the idol, they all
ſtopped ſuddenly, and the whole assembly proſtrated themselves to
the earth three times; after which they all remained in that poſ-
ture, except the high-prieſt, and the nine others; the former of
whom knelt upon one knee only, and the latter upon both. The
high-prieſt then ſung a hymn in prieſe of the fun; in which he
was joined ſoon after by the prieſts, and lastly in a full chorus by
the whole assembly; which was so considerably augmented by the
ſingular formation of the ſtate, that I was hardly able to bear it.
These ceremonies being repeated ſeveral times, a long pause en-
ſued; and I was preparing to ſpeak, thinking that I could not
have a better opportunity; when the high-prieſt himſelf gave me
a much fairer occasion, who, in as loud a tone as he could,
cried or asked, in a kind of exultation—" Who is God, but the
Sun?" Eager to embrace the opportunity, I immediately re-
plied—" He who made the Sun;" in a voice so exceeding loud
and clear, that it echoed back again from the end of the illand.

I had no sooner ſaid these words, than the lay assembly jumped
up from the ground, as if frantic with joy; and with loud ſhouts
and ſtrange geſtures expreſſed their tranſports, and then all fell
proſtrate on their faces again, while the prieſts profoundly bowed
their bodies to the very ground.

These ceremonies over, an intereſting conversation, ſomething
like question and anſwer, took place between me and the high-
prieſt concerning the nature and attributes of God; till at length,
as I had replied in the negative to the demand of the former in re-
gard to my being the fun, I was obliged (as the prieſt then asked
who I was, and I was not willing to impoſe my ſelf on them for
God) to inform him that I would give no anſwer on that point;
but only to ſuch queſtions as I thought proper. A long pause
now enſued; after which, to my great ſurprisſe, I ſaw the whole
assembly throw themselves on the ground, tearing and beating
themselves, and venting their grief in unintelligible cries; while
the prieſts acted as madly as themselves.

HENRY LANSON.

23

My ideas were so confused upon this occasion, that it was some
time before I recollected an opinion which was very prevalent
among the uncultivated Indians; namely, that there are two beings,
the one good, and the other evil, answering to the God and Devil
of the Chriſtians. But it no sooner occurred to me, than I imme-
diately concluded they must have taken me for the latter. There-
fore, in order to remove the prejudice they had taken against me,
in consequence of this notion, I called aloud to the high-priſt,
who still lay on the ground, bidding him arise, and learn to be
happy; when having informed him that I was not the evil being
they took me for, I cautioned him not to provoke me, least I
should destroy both him and his people, before they would be able
to reach their native shore.

I make no doubt but some of the cauſiſts will look upon the
artifice I uſed as a piece of impiety; but I must alledge for my
excuse, that I knew of no other expedient which I could have ſo
ſuſeſſfully adapted to their fears; for they immediately ceaſed
their clamour; and upon the high-priſt affuſing them that the
oracle would not hurt them, if they would follow his inſtructions,
came up again to the ſtature as before; when I affuſed them, that if
they hearkened to me, the evil being ſhould never hurt them; which
affurance had the deſired effect; and I entered once more into a long
discourse with the high-priſt; at the end of which I diſmiſſed them
with a ſtrict injunction to attend my inſtructions regularly once a
week, on pain of my diſpleasure.

I had no sooner ended, than they all ſet up a ſhout of joy; and
having made their obeſance as before, returned to their canoes in
a reversed order from that they came in; that is, the children first,
the grown people next, and the priſts laſt, carrying the high-
priſt on their shoulders.

The Indians were very punſtual in attending at the appointed
times; and I had never again occasion to complain of them except
once, when ſeven of the priſts came alone, in order to implore the
oracle to inform them of the ſecrets of the new religion, that they
might be enabled to inſtruct the people in it themselves. I could
not help smiling to myself, when I found that the fly cunning of
European prieſcraft had been able to find its way among the un-
tutored natives of the Southern Continent; but nevertheless I took
care to reprimand them severely for their duplicity; at the fame
time informing them, that it was my fixed determination not to
inſtruct a part, but the whole of the nation at once.

The ſtern manner in which I pronounced the latter part of my
ſpeech ſeemed to affect them very much; and after they had paid
their usual obeſance, they retired, promising never to offend again
in the like manner. Several weeks now palled in mutual confer-
ences between me and the Indians at the ſtated times above-men-
tioned; till at length, upon finding that the ſeed I wifhed to plant
began to take root, I ventured to inform them that a person ſhould
come among them habited like themselves, and who ſhould bring
with them the ſacred writings I had ſo often mentioned in my for-
mer diſcourses; and out of which I ſhould inſtruct them in the

D 3

24

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

knowledge of the true God, and put them in the way to be happy for ever. Having said thus much, I concluded my address with informing them, that as I did not wish to force the new doctrine upon them again, if their will, they had only to speak if such a person's coming was disagreeable, and I would be dumb for ever. A short silence ensued; and then they all, as with one voice, exclaimed, "let him come, and we will love, honour, and obey him." Pleased with this testimony of their conversion, as soon as they were once more silent, I bade them attend his coming on the third day from thence, telling them at the same time, as a token whereby they might be enabled to know him, that they would find him sitting on the steps, dressed like the high-priest of the fun. As soon as I had done, the whole multitude gave a loud shout; and having paid the usual obeyfance, re-embarked in their canoes for the opposite shore.

The interval previous to their return was spent by me in preparations for my departure; when having looked up all my clothes (which, together with the few books I had been able to preserve from the wreck, I tied up as well as I could with twigs, having no ropes by me), I wrapped my bundle up in one of the priests' golden vestments, and spent the remainder of the evening in offering up prayers to the divine being for the success of my new undertaking. At length the important morning came; when I dressed myself all in white, put on the high-priest's vestment, which I have before described in a former part of my narrative; and then taking up a kind of wicker basket, which I had previously filled with a variety of gold rings, intending to distribute them as presents among some of the principal Indians, I left my subterranean dwelling for the place where the idol was erected, but not before I had bolted the trap-door, and covered it over with earth. On my arrival at the statue, I sat down in all my finery, with a bow and arrow flung over my shoulder, and my mind not a little agitated between hope and fear; in which dismal state of sufspence I remained nearly an hour; when at last I perceived them approaching in their usual order. If the idea of their coming had agitated me so much, my readers may easily imagine that the first fight of them made my heart leap within me. Every limb trembled; and for the moment I wished myself within the gloomy habitation I had just quitted. However, as they advanced but very slowly, I was by the time they arrived at the bottom of the steps become sufficiently compos'd to carry on the business I was come about. Directly as they came within fight, they paid their usual obeyfance, and continued as they advanced, bowing almost to the ground; while I kept my feat, looking firmly at them. Upon their arrival at the bottom of the steps, they immediately halted; and the priests, together with the whole company, which confided of between two and three hundred fouls, but no children, directly proftrated themselves to the ground. Upon which I arose; and extending my golden rod over them, bade them arise; which command being immediately complied with, I, with as much affability as possible, yet with an air of superiority, demanded if they

HENRY LANSON.

25

were willing to accept of me, according to the desire of the oracie; adding, that if they still remained in the same mind as when they accepted its offer, I was come to instruct and live among them; with the proviso, that they never asked who I was or from whence I came, and paid a strict obedience to my commands. I had no sooner done, than a general "yes" ran through the whole assembly; after which, the high-priest approached me with great reverence; and addressing me by the name of "Holy man," began to inform me, that having paid great attention to what the oracle said, he had, on his return to their country, called, with the affiftance of his brethren, a general meeting of his country people, who were all rejoiced in the highest degree, when he informed them of the good tidings which the oracle had delivered. He concluded this piece of information with affuring me, that his whole nation waited with impatient rapture for my arrival; hoping, that if I was a mortal, as their king was lately dead, and had left no issue behind him, I would ascend the throne, and become at once their sovereign and instructor.

Having heard him patiently to the end of his speech, I thanked him and the rest of his countrymen for their kind intentions toward me; and after declaring myself ready to accompany them on their return to their native country, positively refuted to become their king; but at the same time promised to direct them in their choice of a proper person to reign over them.

I had scarcely made an end of my answer, when the whole company gave vent to the greatest exclamations of joy, at the same time crying, *veroko hapiro, yavolcicka*, that is, "come, holy man, and make us all happy." Upon which I arose, and made them three respective bows, after the manner of their country; which was answered by a general shout on their part.

As soon as they were silent, I fat down again; and beckoning the priefts to come to me, I gave each of them a ring out of my wicker basket, taking care to let the high-priest have the richest I could select; after which I found I had a sufficient number of them left. I ordered the people to come up one by one; to each of whom I gave a ring; which condescension was received on their part with the greatest expressions of joy, but still looking on me as something more than mortal. The high-priest, with a mixture of awe and reverence, demanded if ever I ate or drank? to which curious question I cheerfully replied in the affirmative; adding, that if they had brought provisions with them, I would instantly partake of it. The high-priest had no sooner informed the people of my answer, than they flew with one accord to their canoes; from whence they returned, bringing several wicker baskets along with them filled with dried fish, goats, flesh, and other animal food, fruit of various kinds, dried corn, and a pleasing liquor something like Mountain wine; which having put before me, I ordered them to fit down with me; and we made a comfortable meal together, the priefts sitting on the steps by me, as being of a superior rank to the rest; during which repast, a profound silence was observed on all sides, except when I said grace before and after

26

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

ter our meal. I could see this surprised them greatly; but when I sung a hymn which I had composed in the *Indian* language, exploring the divine affluence in my present undertaking, the whole assembly became affected, and expressed their satisfaction with every decent demonstration of joy possible. I then told them I was ready to attend them; when having given one of the *Indians* my bundle to carry, we began our march to the sea-shore, where I saw a great number of canoes, one of which I entered with the high-priest; and the *Indians* jumping into theirs, we rowed over to the island *Karamskao*, from whence my new converts came annually to pay their homage to the idol, as I have before mentioned.

During our short voyage, my mind was wholly occupied with reflecting on the bold undertaking I had engaged in; nor was I devoid of apprehension for its success. Nevertheless, by placing my trust in Providence, who directs all for the best, I kept up my courage; and by the time we were in fight of *Karamskao*, became sufficiently collected to enter on the business I had undertaken.

As we drew near the shore, I perceived it was covered with an immense multitude of the *Indians*, who as soon as I landed professed themselves on the earth. I bowed to them in return; with which I could perceive they were much delighted. The priefts then conducted me to their town, which consisted of a number of huts or cottages; when I was shown into one of the best, which the high-priest informed me had been purposely prepared for me. Here I found half a dozen *Indians*, three male and three female, waiting my arrival, being appointed, as I afterward understood, to attend on me; who immediately on my entrance kneeled before me. But as this kind of homage was a token of respect which I always looked on as only due to our divine creator himself, I instantly ordered them to rise. They next presented me with some dried fish and goats' flesh, fruits, flowers, and several kinds of liquor peculiar to the country; but I only took some fruit, of a different kind from any that I had seen upon my own island (for *Karamskao* was also one, though considerably larger than that I had just quitted); which done, and finding myself rather tired, I requested the priefts to leave me till the morning, when I should be glad of their company. This they readily agreed to, and I retired to a couch composed of *Indian* mats; when having covered myself over with some skins which my *Indians* brought for the purpose, I funk into a profound slumber, from which I did not awake till the next morning, when I found myself quite recovered from the fatigues of the preceding day.

My chief business now consisted in instructing the *Karamskaoi-ans* in the Christian religion; for whose use I translated the Bible and Common Prayer into their language, and also taught their children the church of England catechism; in which I was greatly assisted by the priefts, who imbibed the instructions I gave them with an avidity that surpassed my most fanguine expectations; but in spite of the rationality which they possessed, there still remained a faint tinge of their former superstition; and I could perceive that they still looked on me as being something more than mortal—an

HENRY LANSON.

27

opinion which I found it my interest not totally to undeliver them in, as through the respect and authority which that idea gave me over them, I was enabled to complete the great work I had undertaken.

During my residence on this island, I frequently amused myself by shooting with a bow and arrow; in which at length, by dint of practice, I became as expert as the best of them; while in the summer season I would often visit the place I had been left on; but was always careful to order the Indians who rowed me over, either to wait at the sea-side, or go home and return for me in the evening; during whose absence I would walk up and down the island for my own pleasure, when I did not forget to visit my subterraneous apartments; and on leaving them always brought away some rings with me, to distribute among the Indians; which however I took care not to give away on my return, but always a few days previous to visiting my former habitation; by which means they had not the smallest suspicion of my having brought them from the island.

I had entered on the fifth summer of my residence among the Karamenkaoians, when not having visited my first spot for some time, owing to the rainy season setting in, which is answerable to our winter in Europe, I, as soon as the weather became settled, ordered some of the Indians to take me early over one morning, and come for me again in the evening. As soon as I was landed, I thanked them kindly for my passage; and having seen them row away from the island, I repaired to the iron door, which I always had the precaution to keep covered with earth; when having removed it, I raised the trap; and descending a few steps, fastened it after me; which done, I struck a light; and fetting fire to one of my lamps, proceeded along the subterraneous passage, and ascended into the body of the Indian oracle (as was my constant custom whenever I visited my island, in order to enjoy the desirable prospect it afforded me). But what was my surprise, when on looking forward I perceived some white men advancing toward the statue, who, as well as I could perceive at the distance they were from me, appeared to be Englishmen. The idea immediately occurred, that they were either shipwrecked, or else a body of pirates that had put in for fresh water, or to repair their vessel. In the first cafe, I was both ready and willing to offer them every assistance that lay in my power; but in the latter I had every thing to fear; for although I was perfectly safe where I was, yet having brought only as much provision over as would serve me for the time I intended to remain on the island, I was by no means prepared for the long stay their arrival might compel me to make therein; nor was I less apprehensive on account of my poor Indians, who, on coming over in the evening, would, if they did not find me waiting for them at the water's edge as usual, land on the island in search of me; and thus, not suspecting any harm, might be not only purified and taken for slaves, but their country by that means be discovered and invaded, their wealth seized on, and themselves hurried into captivity. With these, and such like horrid fancies, I

28

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

distressed myself in the highest degree; but my whole attention was drawn to the conversation of the strangers; especially, when on their arrival at the foot of the idol, one of them expressing his admiration thereof to one of his companions, the other immediately replied, that though it was an object highly worthy their attention, yet it could afford him no delight, when he reflected that most probably on that island where they were, his cousin had either been starved to death, or devoured by wild beasts.

These words, and the voice, which I immediately began to collect, convinced me that it was no other than my cousin Robert Lanfon himself; in which opinion I was still more firmly grounded, on his requesting his comrades to renew their search, as he was convinced that even if his dear cousin Henry had become the prey of the ferocious inhabitants of the woods, they had left his bones behind, which he only desired to give Christian burial to, and would then willingly return with them to their native country.

I heard this too distinctly to admit of my doubting the reality of what passed before me any longer; when perceiving that they were about to renew their rambles, I exclaimed, “Stay, Robert, stay.” The amazing loudness which the construction of the oracle gave to my voice, together with the singularity of being called by his name, alarmed not only my cousin but the rest of his companions, who at first (till one of the company remarked that the voice founded like thunder) thought that some of their messmates from the ship had been calling them.

The joy of beholding my cousin once more, raised my spirits to that degree, that I resolved to derive some amusements from the fear which oppressed the company. Therefore raising my voice to its full extent, I demanded of Robert whether his father was still living? For some time my auditors became petrified with afghanment; and at length my cousin, in a faltering voice, replied in the affirmative, but without knowing to whom he addressed himself. However, as I began to feel for the terror I had inspired in their breasts, in order to dissipate theame, I began to sing a midnight hymn, which my uncle had wrote, and this very cousin Robert not only composed, but also taught me to sing it himself. As soon as I began at the well-known words “while thus the fun illumines our sphere,” he started; and becoming more calm, waved his hand for the company to be silent; and when I ceased to sing, he, after remarking to his companions that an evil spirit would not attempt to repeat such holy words, in his turn eagerly demanded if his long-lamented cousin was still living? to which I replied in the affirmative, and that if he would promife to perform the task I should assign him, he might soon have the pleasure of conversing with him in reality. This answer filled my auditors with furprile; and Robert readily assented to my request, with this proviso, that it was nothing derogatory to him as an Englishman and a Christian. Upon which, I immediately desired him to repeat the whole of the hymn I had just sung, flowly, with his face to the statue; at the end of which he would, on turning round, behold his cousin standing before him. This task I assigned him,

HENRY LANSON.

29

because I knew it would afford me sufficient time to quit my subterraneous retreat, and appear among them without their being able to discover where I came from.

As my injunction only served to engage the attention of my cousin, I bethought myself of another stratagem to engroſs that of his companions, which was as follows:—During my refidence with the *Indians* having found some braſs wire among the clothes I had brought from my subterraneous wardrobe, I made a ſtrange kind of musical instrument; which, by being placed in a tree, or any other situation where the wind might blow properly upon it, would ſend forth the moſt soft and pleasing notes imaginable. This I fixed opposite to the mouth of the ſtation; when the wind fetting full againſt it, it played with a degree of loudneſs, that had I not been about to leave the image, would have been totally unbearable. This had the defixed effect; and the attention of my cousin's companions was so completely engroſſed thereby, that they did not perceive me ascend nor advance toward them; when placing myself behind them, I ſtood ſtill till he had done, in hopes of their discovering me of their own accord, as I was apprehensive of alarming them too much if I ſhowed myself too abruptly. As ſoon as my cousin had done ſinging, he turned round; and seeing me, who at that moment began to move flowly toward him, ſtarted back, and exclaimed, in an accent of surpriſe, “good heavens! what ſtrange figure is this which now preſents itself to my view?” which induced the reſt to turn round; who no ſooner saw me, than they gave a loud cry, and would have fled had not my cousin *Robert* prevented them. I then advanced a few paces forward; and bowing my ſtaff, by way of salute, I discovered my face, which had hitherto been concealed by a large image of the fun, which was placed on the top thereof, to my cousin, who instantly exclaimed, “ſhall I declare it to be the person of my long lamented *Lanson*, or a phantom raſed to mislead me?” “The former,” replied I, smiling; and at the fame time advanced toward him with my hand extended, in token of that friendship which had formerly exiled between us. At first he drew back, undetermined how to act; but on my ſhowing him a ſcar on my forehead, which I had received in a fall from a pear-tree when he and I used to ſtudy together at his father’s, he became convinced of the reality of my exſistence; and rufſing into each other’s arms, our ſouls became absorbed in the extacy of this meeting. At length, our emotions having in ſome measure ſubſided, my cousin requeſted me to explain the riddle of the ſtupendous image which ſtood before them; the thundering voice he had heard; the invifible music, which even at the moment he was ſpeaking to me ſaluted his ears; the ſuperb dreſs I wore; and by what means I had ſo long preferred my life amid the many dangers which had surrounded me? To this confuſed multitude of queſtions, I replied as briefly as poffible; when the reſt of the company being by this time convinced that I was ſelſh and blood like themselves, drew nearer to us, and with one voice congratulated my cousin and me on our unexpected meeting; for which I thanked them, and at

30

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

the fame time affured them, that however ſtrange the objects be-
fore them might appear, they were in reality the mere effects of
natural cauſes; which however, although they were too polite to
contradict me, I could plainly ſee did not go down so easily with
them as I could have wifhed.

My cousin then briefly told me, that having received intelli-
gence from captain *Glover*, who was one of the gentlemen then
before me, that I had been left on an uninhabited island (of
which I ſhall ſpeak more fully hereafter), he had prevailed on that
gentleman to bring him over, in hopes of relieving me from the
perilous ſituation I was left in; which done, he told me, that the
ſhip he came over in lay at anchor in a creek at the back of the
idol; whither he offered instantly to conduct me. This I told
him I could not immediately conſent to, as I was only come there
on a viſit, and therefore was obliged to return at night to the
iſland *Karamſkao*; where I lived among a tribe of friendly In-
dians, whose benevolence it would be abuſing in the highest de-
gree not to make them acquainted with my intended departure.

My cousin acquiesced with me on that point; and after a little
more conversation, we arrived at the ſeaſide; where, to his no
ſmall aftonishment, he found the boat was mifſing. This filled
them with conſternation, especially when they diſcovered that one
of our company was absent; as they immediately concluded that
he muſt have taken the boat, and gone on board; where, im-
preſſed with a notion of the island being enchanted, he had terri-
fied the whole crew with his myſterious narration; in which opi-
nion they were more strongly grounded, when captain *Glover*, on
taking his glaſs from his pocket, and looking at the ſhip, which
rode at anchor, declared that they were preparing to let ſail.
Driven almoſt to deſpair, the captain waved his handkerchief, and
ſhouted as loud as he could; ſoon after which, he saw the boat
rowing toward the ſhore; but as ſoon as they drew near, the fail-
ors hearing the muſic, and feeing my tawny complexion, and the
ſtrange habit I was dřſed in, became convinced of the truth of
their comrade's aſſertion, and immediately ſtopped rowing; nor
could all the captain's entreaties prevail on them to come nearer,
the whole boat's crew declaring that they would not truſt them-
felves on ſhore for a king's ranſom, especially an old *Irishman*, who
declared, that although he did not care for the Devil himself, and
all his imps, yet by St. *Patrick*, the beſt way of truſting to any
of his offſpring was by keeping them at a proper diſtance. At
length captain *Glover* prevailed on them to hear him; when de-
manding the reaſon of their behaviour, one of the failors told him,
that *Bob Long* (who had left us so privately) came on board al-
moſt dead with fear, and ſaid that he had seen a monster as tall
as the moon, which talked and ſung like thunder; and that while
he and his companions were looking at it, they were accoſted by
a copper-coloured devil, who he made no doubt, had he not come
away as he did, would have run away with him, as after he
rowed from the iſland, he ſaw him fly away with one of the others
into the air. As ſoon as he had done ſpeaking, the captain ſtrove

HENRY LANSON.

31

to reason with them on the folly of their conduct, but in vain;
for their prejudice was too deeply rooted to be easily removed;
perceiving which, I told them that I would go away, in order
that they might be enabled to return to their ship, and endeavour
to undeceive the crew, promising to meet them at the steps the
next morning.

I had no sooner got out of fight, than the failors set up a shout
of joy loud enough to be heard over the whole island; while I
walked on flowly to my subterraneous abode, heartily cursing my
own folly for having given rife to the ridiculous story Long had in-
vented; and having railed up the iron door, haftened to remove
the fatal cause thereof; which done, I sat down within the statue,
and gave myself up to such melancholy reflections, that they over-
whelmed me. At length, finding myself rather faint, I made
haste to get above ground; which having done, I bent my steps
toward the place where I had laid the provisions I brought over
with me, but had not proceeded far before I saw my cousin walk-
ing before me, so deeply absorbed in thought that he did not per-
ceive me till I called to him, and eagerly demanded what was the
reason of his being left on shore? when he told me, that the fail-
ors were so prepoffesled against him for being in my company, that
they had positively refused to take him on board; but that the
captain having undertaken to bring them to reason, had promised
to return for him in the morning. I then invited him to partake
of my homely meal; which he readily accepted of, having, like
myself, tafted nothing since the morning. Having finished our
repast, we immediately bent our steps toward the sea, where I
found two Indians waiting with my canoe, who were much fur-
prized at the appearance of a stranger, especially a white man,
which was a fight (excepting myself) they had never seen before.
However, on my telling them that it was one of my relations
who had come to see me, they became perfectly satisfied, and asked
no further questions, as indeed the whole tribe paid the most im-
plicit regard to whatever I faid. The interval of time taken up
in performing our short voyage, was employed on my part in re-
lating to my cousin a brief history of my adventures, from the time
of my father's death to that of his arrival on the island in search of
me; with which he declared himself perfectly delighted; and that
as he had entered into orders since he saw me, he should sit tram it
the greatest happiness of his life to perform the sacred duties of his
office among a plain uncorrupted people, such as I had described
my Indians to be.

By this time we arrived at the opposite shore; and having
landed, as it was a fine moonlight evening, found several of the
Indians waiting my return, who seemed undetermined whether to
run or stay, on perceiving a stranger with me; but upon my giv-
ing them the fame account as I had done to my Indian rowers,
their reserve were off, and they received me and my cousin with
their wonted cordiality; and showing the fame respect to him as
they used to do to me, they conducted us to my hut; when I
prevailed on two of the priefts to stay and sup with us. My cousin

E

32

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

feemed highly pleased with our repast. But if he was delighted with our frugal meal, the priefts, who had learned a little English from me, were no lesf pleased when they could make themselves underftood by him. At length the hour of repofe arriving, they took their leave, and my relation and I retired to my moffy couch, where we Slept comfortably till next morning; when we took an hafty breakfast, and repaired to the island, to know the result of captain Glover's endeavours in our favour. On our arrival, I ordered the Indians to put in at a small creek of land higher up than where I usually landed, and there wait our return, but not by any means to fet a foot on shore; which done, we repaired to the place where we had parted from the captain on the preceding evening; when, instead of the boat, we found a ftick fixed in the ground, with a letter fastened on the top of it directed to us; which my couſin breaking open, found was from captain Glover himself; in which he informed him, that he had uſed every means in his power to bring the crew to reafon, but that they were all ſo prejudiced againſt us, through Mr. Long's ridiculous report, that the only favour he could obtain of them was a promife to ſend my couſin's goods on shore the next morning, provided they ſaw nothing of his devilifh relation. He concluded with affluring him, that in the course of the next year he would return to fetch us off the island; and that on his arrival, he would fix a pole in the ground, with a ſtreamer, in order that we ſhould be made acquainted therewith; and a small cannon also, that in cafe the ſhip lay at anchor, they might, on hearing him fire it, ſend the long boat to fetch us off.

Finding all our hopes thus frustrated for the prefent, we returned home not a little chagrined at the ſuperſtitious folly of the ſailors; while my couſin seemed perfuaded that providence had decreed him to ſpend the remainder of his days in the intruſion of the Karamſkavians. Immediately on our return, I provided ſome large canoes to fetch off my couſin's baggage; and the next morning he ſet off for the island, and brought over the whole of the cargo, which conſiſted of two ſuits of clothes for himself and me; a basket with a dozen live fowls, cocks and hens; with which the island ſoon became ſtocked.

Having now a little time left on our hands, I prevailed on my couſin to give me a full account of the manner he became acquainted with my being left on a defolate island; in compliance with which request, he began the narration as follows:—

"My father and the reſt of us were feated at dinner, when one of our ſervants came in the room, and told him that a ſea-faring man wanted to ſpeak with him. My father ordered him to be ſhown up immediately, as he naturally concluded it was ſome one dispatched by you and my uncle, to inform him of your arrival. As ſoon as the gentleman entered the room, having firſt made his obeyſance, he alked my father if he had not a nephew at Virginia? to which he replied, that he had ſome time back, and a brother, but that they muſt be now pretty far on their way to Old England, as he had expected their arrival for ſome time, having re-

HENRY LANSON.

33

ceived best part of their effects, and a letter, informing him that they were on the point of following them, several months before. The stranger then told him, that his brother (your father) was dead; and that although he did not come from you, nor had ever been at Virginia, yet he had news to tell concerning you, that he was sorry to say would give us no small concern. This melancholy preface filled us all with surprisef and dread; but my father at length recovering from the grief the sudden news of his brother's death had occasioned, the stranger proceeded as follows:—
> 'My name, sir, is Sanderson. I am captain of the Minerva merchantman. During the last voyage from the West Indies on our return to our native country, we were met by a ship, who fired a gun to bring us to; which rather alarmed us; for being in time of peace, we immediately concluded that it was a pirate; and therefore, as she was a ship of superior force, we permitted her to come on board us; when, as soon as her captain, whose name was Glover, got on our deck, he told us, that although he was in reality a pirate, yet we had nothing to fear on his account; as perceiving we were Englishmen like himself, he was come only to request a favour, which (added he, addressing himself to me), if you are bound to your native country, you can easily grant me. If not, I will return to my ship, and permit you to go on.' Upon which I told him, that I was bound to England; and that if it was in my power to render him any service there, I was both ready and willing to do it. Captain Glover then returned me his thanks in the polite manner; and having requested a few moments conversation in private, we retired to my cabin, where he began his narrative. 'A few years ago,' said he, 'I was, as I perceive you now are, a captain of a merchantman, and traded on my own bottom; but having a run of ill luck, I proposed to my mate to turn pirate; which he breaking afterward to the crew, they but too readily gave into our measures. However, we resolved rather to quit our prey than be guilty of the horrid crime of murder—a resolution which we have happily continued fixed in to this day. Fortune proved highly propitious to us; but as we durst not venture into any port, much lefs to England, we fought for, and at length discovered a small uninhabited island, where we stored our treasure, and at times refided, as the creek was so well formed by nature, that we could ride at anchor without the smallest danger of being discovered. One day observing a small ship out at sea, we crowded what fail we could after her, and at length came up with her; when having fired a gun for her to bring-to, as she was a ship of no force, and we had all our guns out in readines to give her a broad side, she readily complied with our desires, and struck her flag without firing a shot. The first thing that met our fight on boarding her, was an Indian hung alive, and bleeding at the yard-arm. Shocked at the horrid spectacle, I instantly demanded of captain Kidwall (for that was his name) the reason of such cruel treatment? when he told me, that the fellow was a wicked mutinous rascal; and having confired with four or five other Negros to murder him and all the crew, he broke into his cabin, and threw him overboard;

34

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

but being a good swimmer, he got back to the ship; and having
been took in, he with the rest of his men had overpowered and
killed the other five mutineers, and punished him in the manner
he saw, as an example to the crew.—Although this was plausible
enough,' continued captain Glover, 'such things often happening
at sea, I could not, owing to the extreme confusion I perceived in
his countenance, give it that credit which he wifhed me to do.
Therefore, as I naturally abhor cruelty, I ordered the Indian to
be immediately carried on board my ship, in order to have his
wounds dressed. My mate and I then compelled the captain to go
down with us into the cabin; where a dilmal spectacle prefented
itself to view. The floor and the wainfcot were fineared with
blood; in one corner of which laid two male Indians, weltering
in their gore, who both gave an involuntary start of horror at be-
holding the captain; on whom having impofed silence, one of the
men, at my request, informed me, in a few words, that they
were the property of a young gentleman of the name of Lanfon;
and then related the whole affair (as before mentioned). This
narration however Kidwall positively denied; when being determ-
ined on forcing him to confefs his guilt, I put on a stern look,
and commanded two of my men to hang him up at the yard-arm,
in the place of the Indian, until he should make a full acknow-
ledgement of the crime he had committed. This had the defired
effect; for the captain, immediately on my men's feizing him, fell
on his knees, and confirmed every circumstance that the man had
before related. Upon which, I ordered him and all his men to be
put under hatches, till I should have an opportunity of fending
them to England, to be tried by the laws of their country. Thefe
matters being fettled, we retired to our island; where on my ar-
rival, I cauſed all poffible care to be taken of the three Indians.
The Negro who had been hung up, survived but a few days after
our landing, and expired with theſe words:—' pray, maffa cap-
tain, hang dat dom rogue, for cheat my poor maffa.' The other
two soon recovered, being but flightly wounded. From this mo-
ment I took a diflike to the way of life I had engaged in; and
talking with my mate thereon, we agreed to break our refolution
to the rest of the crew. Accordingly summoning them together
one day, we made them acquainted with the whole of our design;
which was to keep captain Kidwall and his crew prifoners on
board their own ship; and then to draw up, and ſend a full ac-
count of the affair to Mr. Lanfon's uncle, and to affure him, that
on condition of his obtaining a free pardon for us, we would bring
the inhuman captain and his crew over to meet that puniſhment
which the heinouſefs of their crimes rendered them ſo deferving
of. In order to put the latter part of our ſcheme in execution, it
was my advice to ſtop the first ſinall vessel we met with bound for
England; and after informing the captain of our ſituation, to re-
quest that he would take me on board, and ſet me down on the
coast of France or Holland, where I would wait the reſult of the
packet I ſhould ſend by him to England; which propofal I con-
cluded with affuring them, that I would return to them the mo-

HENRY LANSON.

35

ment the wished-for pardon should be remitted to me. This project was universally approved of by the whole crew. Thus situated, we have long watched for an opportunity to effect our project; which I hope is now arrived, though I would not lay any constraint on your answer; since, if you have any reason to object thereto, I declare you at full liberty to pursue your voyage without further molestation.’—When captain *Glover* had finished his narration,’ continued *Sanderfon*, ‘I assured him that I would give him every assistance that lay in my power; and having some business to transact on the coast of *France*, I could very conveniently land him there. This answer pleased him mightily; and he returned on board his own ship, in order to have his baggage packed up, having first entreated me to represent to my crew, that he had not opted us as a pirate, but only to request the favour of a passage to *France*; which I accordingly promised him to do. In the evening captain *Glover* came on board with his trunks. The wind setting fair, we purfued our voyage for the *French* coast, where I landed him according to promise; and arriving safe in *England*, I have brought you a letter from him, and a packet of papers belonging to your nephew.’—Saying these words, he presented the letter and packet to my father; when upon breaking open the latter, we found it to conflict of bills of parcels, and other papers of consequence; which discovered to us that the cargo Kidwall had so unjustly deprived you of was of immenfe value. This wonderful relation,’ continued my cousin, “affected our whole family in the highest degree, but particularly my poor sister *Eliza*, to whom your long absence has proved a source of never-ceasing affliction.” [The mention of her name gave fresh fuel to a flame which, although it had long lain dormant, had never been extinguished; and for some time his narration was interrupted by the questions which my ardent passion prompted me to make concerning her behaviour during my absence; to which I received such answers as convinced me that her tenderness toward me was as strong as ever. At length becoming more calm, I permitted the story to proceed.]—“As soon as our minds had recovered the shock this fatal tale had given us, my father laid your case, together with captain *Glover*'s petition for himself and people, before the king and council; when we were so fortunate as to obtain a free pardon, on condition that they brought within two years the ship, together with captain *Kidwall* and his crew, safe into some one of the principal ports of *Great Britain*; which point being carried, I immediately sent word thereof to captain *Glover*, who had taken up his residence at *Calais*; from whence he soon after came over to *England*, in order to hire a ship to carry him back to his people. During the necessary preparations for the voyage, we were often together; and one day having demanded if he thought he could discover the island where you had been left exposed to the fury of the wildbeasts, he replied in the affirmative; and that on receiving a little farther information from your perfeutor relative thereto, he should be able to find it out without incurring much trouble in the enterprise. I had no sooner received

E 3

35

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

this assurance, than I told my father and mother that I had formed
a resolution of accompanying the captain in his search after you; to
which they were at first rather averse; but Eliza seconded my ar-
guments in favour thereof so well, that they were induced to yield
to my wishes. Every thing being settled, we left the British shore
with a prosperous gale, and for several days continued our voyage
with every flattering prospect of success. At length a heavy squall
of wind attacked us from the N.E. just as we were within sight of
the deflated shore; which lafting two or three days, not only drove
us entirely out of our latitude, but away also into the main ocean,
where we failed nearly three weeks without once being able to ob-
tain the smallest glimpse of land; which, owing to our having suf-
fered much in the late storm, rendered our situation truly disagree-
able; while, to add to the horror of the scene before us, the ship's
fteward informed us that our provisions were so much exhausted,
that they would scarcely suffice us three days longer. Thus situated,
we were forced to come to short allowance, and were reduced
to our last morrow, when one of the sailors at the mast-head cried
out, in a transport of joy, 'land! land!' We immediately flew
upon deck, and found it was in reality as he had said, a fertile island
presenting itself to view at about a couple of leagues distance,
where we soon after arrived; and having cast anchor, sent part of
our crew on shore well armed, in search of fresh water and provisions;
of which party I prevailed on the captain to let me be one.
We had not penetrated far into the island, before we discovered a
beautiful spring of fresh water; whereat having refreshed ourselves,
and shot a kind of fowl about the size of a pheasant, which was the
only thing we met with, we were returning to the ship; when on
turning a clump of trees, we discovered several Indians, whom the
noise of our gun had alarmed, gathered together; which unexpected
fight gave us no small unease, as we apprehended they would immediately
fall upon us; but, to our infinite surprisal, they beckoned
us to approach; and as a token of friendship, sent one of their
party to us with the calumet, or pipe of peace, which we smoaked
round; and then seeing them unarmed, joined company. Finding
them thus friendly, we informed them, by signs, of our want of
provisions. Upon which one of them flew up into the country, and
returned in a short time with a fine young goat; for which, as we
had nothing else about us that we chose to part with, one of our
failors gave him his pocket-knife, with which he was highly delighted;
and upon my affording the other Indians, that if they
would procure us some provisions again, we came on shore again,
they should be rewarded with something of equal value, they promised
to furnish us with such live stock as their country afforded;
which being agreed on, we retired to our ship, taking the goat
along with us. The next morning we returned on shore, much
refreshed with the salutary relief we had met with on the preceding
evening. We staid here several days, in order to repair what damage
our ship had sustained in the late storm; which having accomplished,
we purfued our voyage; and without any further accident arrived at the island where captain Glover had left his com-

["HENRY LANSON.", "37", "panions; to whom his arrival with the pardon was highly welcome. As soon as the first emotions of their joy was subfused, captain *Glover* inquired how captain *Kidwall* and his crew had borne themselves under the captivity he had condemned them to; when his chief mate gave him an account of what had paffed on the island during his absence.—'As soon as you set sail,' said he, 'with the gentleman for the coast of France, we weighed anchor, and returned without meeting with any thing worth relating to our island, where we found captain Kidwall's ship in the same position as you left her; the men whom you had appointed to guard her, having performed their duty with the greatest fidelity. I immediately informed them of the success the first part of our project had met with; which piece of intelligence I could easily perceive afforded them infinite delight. Having now nothing particular on our hands to do, we frequently amused ourselves with making shooting parties on the island; in which at length, as they behaved with the greatest submiffion and decorum toward us, we suffered captain Kidwall and his chief mate to join us. In one of these excursions, upon coming to an opening in a large wood, which we had often before frequented on account of the quantity of wild goats, fowls, and buffaloes it afforded, we were surprifed with the flight of several *Indians* sitting on the ground—I fay surprifed, because you know we always concluded the island to be uninhabited. The savages no sooner saw us, than they gave a loud scream, and fled into the bushes on the further side of the plain. Seeing them so shy, our men began to range over the plain to search for cattle, and for any of the *Indians* plantations, in order to obtain some fruits or plants; but we soon found that we must be very cautious, and discover every bush and tree, before we ventured abroad in the country. As we came back, we paffed by a prodigious great trunk of an old tree, something like an old decayed oak in a park, where the keepers in England take a stand to shoot at a deer; which it proof near the steep side of a great hill, so that we could not see what was beyond it. As we came by this tree, we were on a sudden shot at from the top of it, with seven arrows and three lances, which killed three of our party (among which was captain Kidwall), and wounded one more. This was the more surprising; because being without any defence, and so near the trees, we expected more lances and arrows every moment; nor would flying do us any service, the *Indians* being very good marksmen. In this extremity we had happily the preference of mind to run close to the tree, and stand as it were under it; so that those above could not see us, nor throw their lances at us. Our people knew their enemies were above, because they heard them talk. At length one of our men thought he saw the head of one of the *Indians*, just over a dead limb of the tree, which the creature fat upon. He immediately fired, and levelled his piece so true, that the shot went through the fellow's head, and down he fell a stone dead at our feet. This frightened the *Indians* so, that beside the horrid howling they made in the tree, our men heard a strange clutter of them in the body of it; from whence they concluded that the *Indians* had", "that I had found after you a second my re induced to the British isle a very long way within the seas, not only to the main part of the island, but to our having ion truly dilapidated before us, the land to much exheauo. This is true, and were real the maft-head of the ship, we should have more difficulty in finding our way to the land, which we did not, but at length at last let us be sure we were in the ship; and then, when we had discovered the land, wended they would have found it difficult to get out of the ship, but at length, by the help of some of the crew, we were able to get out on shore, and there the ship was found. This was not the case, but the ship was found again, and then the ship was found again, and so on for several times. In the mean time, the ship was found again, and so on for several times. In the mean

33

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

made the tree hollow, and were got there to hide themselves. Had
this been the case, they were secure enough; for it was impossible
any of our men could get up the tree on the outside, there being
no branches to climb by; and to shoot at it (which they tried fe-
veral times), they were convinced was to no purpose, for the tree
was so thick that no shot would enter it. They made no doubt,
however, that a short siege would either bring them down, tree and
all, or starve them out; so they resolved to keep their poft, and
send to the ship for help. Accordingly two of them went for more
hands, who informed the crew of the death of the captain, and
two of our men; and they particularly desired that some of our
carpenters might come with tools, to cut down the tree, or at least
some wood; which being kindled, they concluded would not fail
to bring them out. Accordingly our men came like a little army,
and with mighty preparations for an enterprise, the like of which
has scarce been heard, to lay siege to a tree. However, when they
came there, they found the task difficult enough; for the old trunk
was indeed a very thick one, and very tall, being at least twenty-
two feet high, with seven old limbs standing out every way on the
top, but decayed; and very few leaves, if any, left on it. Our
boatswain, whose curiosity prompted him to come among the rest,
proposed that they should make a ladder; so get up to the top;
and by throwing wild-fire into the tree, smoak them out. Others
proposed fetching a great gun out of the ship, which should split
it in pieces with the iron bullets. These consultations took up
two or three days; in all which time our people heard nothing of
the supposed garrison within this wooden castle, nor the least noise
of any kind. The boatswain's project was first attempted, and a
large strong ladder was made to scale this wooden tower; and in
two or three hours it would have been ready to mount; when, on
a sudden, they heard the noise of the *Indians* in the body of the tree
again; and soon after several of them appeared on the top of it,
and threw some lances down at our men; one of which struck a
feeman a-top of the shoulder, and gave him such a desperate
wound, that though the surgeons with a deal of difficulty cured
him, he never recovered the use of his arm, but continued acrip-
ple all the days of his life. Our patience being almost exhausted,
we resolved upon firing the tree; and having got, as we thought, a
sufficient quantity of wood, we piled it up round the bottom there-
of, and set it alight. We waited at a distance, to see when the
gentlemen's quarters being too hot for them, they would come
flying out at the top. But we were quite confounded, when on a
sudden we found the fire all put out by a great quantity of water
being thrown upon it. Upon which our boatswain exclaimed,
"this is certainly the most cunning piece of Indian engineering
that ever was heard of; and there can be but one thing more to
guys at; which is, that this is an artificial tree, or a natural one
made hollow down into the earth, through root and all; and that
these creatures have a subterraneous passage underneath it, that
goes through, and under the hill, to some other place; but though
we know not where that other place is, yet, if it be not our own

HENRY LANSON.

39

fault, I'll find it out, and follow them into it, before I am two
days older.' He then asked two of the party, who were carpenters,
if they had any large saws that would cut through the body; who
told him, they had not any that were long enough; but that they
would undertake to cut it down in two days with their axes, and
stock up the root of it in two days more. However, the boatswain
was for a more silent way of proceeding; so he set twelve men with
large augers, to bore great holes into the side of it, to go almost
but not quite through; which was easily performed without noise.
This being done, he filled them all with gun-powder, stopping
strong plugs bolted crofs-ways into the holes; and then bored a
flanting hole of a leffer size down into the greater one; all which
were filled with powder, and at once blown up. When they took
fire, they made such a noise, and tore and split the tree in so many
places, and in such a manner, that we could plainly see another
such blast would demolish it; so it did. Thus, at the second time,
we could put our hands in them; and then we discovered the cheat,
namely, that there was a cave or hole dug in the earth from the bot-
tom of the hollow; and that it had communication with another
cave further in; where we heard the voices of several of the wild
folks, calling and talking to one another. When we came thus
far, we had a great mind to get at them; and the boatswain desired
that three men might be given him with hand-granados; promif-
ing to go down first, which he boldly did; for to give him his due,
he had the heart of a lion. They went well armed, having piftols
in their hands, and words by their sides; but the Indians now
paid them in their own kind; for they made such a smoke come up
out of the entrance into the cave, that the boatswain and his three
men were glad to come running out of it, and out of the tree too,
as they were almost stifled. Being now convinced of the folly of
purfuing such a conquest, we resolved to quit it, and come away;
but not before the boatswain, who said he would have his fatis-
faction of them, had burnt down the tree, and stopt up the en-
trance into the cave. While he was doing this, the gunner told
him, he would have his satisfaction of the rogues too; and this
was, that he would make a mine of it, and see which way it went.
To effect this, he fetched two barrels of powder out of the ship,
and placed them in the infide of the hollow of the cave, as far as
he durst go to carry them; and then filling up the mouth of the
cave where the tree stood, and ramming it sufficiently hard, leaving
only a pipe or touch-hole, he set fire to it, and stood at a distance,
to see which way it would operate; when, on a sudden, he found
the force of the powder burst its way out among some buffes on
the other side the little hill I mentioned, where it came out roaring
as from the mouth of a cannon. Immediately running thither, we
discovered the other mouth of the cave, which the powder had so
torn and opened, that the loose earth was fallen in again, so that no-
thing of its shape could be discerned; but there we saw what was
become of the garrifon of Indians who had given us all this trou-
ble; for some of them had no arms, some no legs, some no head;
and others lay half buried in the rubbish of the mine, that is to say,

40

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF

in the loose earth that fell in; in short, we observed there was a most
miserable havoc made of them all. We had now our full satisfac-
tion, though this was a losing voyage, for we had two men killed,
beside captain Kidwall; one, quite crippled; and one wounded.
We also wafted two barrels of powder, and eleven days time. We
have spent the remainder of our days in looking out with anxiety
for your return—a circumstance on which was founded all our
future hopes of happiness.'—The news of Kidwall's death," con-
tinued my cousin, " gave me no small vexation, as I was appre-
henfive, for want of his direction, captain Glover would not be
able to discover the island you were left on; but fortunately for
us, his chief mate proved to be as well acquainted with the latitude
thereof as himself, and gave us every information we could wish
for on the subject. We staid here no longer than till your ship and
the captain's were ready to fail for England, with your cargo and
the prisoners, under the care of his mate, to whom he gave the
command of the ships; when every thing being settled, we took
leave of the crew, with the assurance of following them as soon
as possible to our native country, and let fail in search of your
island; which we at length discovered; and to render our joy com-
plete, find you thereon still alive and hearty."

The twelvemonth being now nearly expired, we began to ex-
pect the return of captain Glover. My cousin went regularly twice
a week over to the island, in hopes of discovering the wished-for
vessel. At length one morning, on approaching the shore, he to
his no small joy discovered the appointed streamer playing in the
air, and flew forward to the place where he had first landed; but
could not discover either the cannon, ship, or any person upon the
island. At last, on turning a ridge of rocks, the cannon presented
itself to view; when having taken care to bring a tender box with
him, he struck a light, and fired it off; the report of which was
answered by another from the ship; which (the ridge of rocks
having hid from him before) he now saw at anchor about a league
from shore; and soon after the long-boat came over with captain
Glover. As soon as their first transports were over, the captain
informed my cousin that he should have arrived much sooner, but
that he was not only obliged to stay till the whole of my cargo was
landed, and committed to my uncle's care, but also to attend the
trial of the crew of Kidwall's ship; on whom the judge, after a
trial of several hours, passed sentence, as follows:—the chief mate
to be hanged, which he was shortly after at Execution Dock; and
the others, to fourteen years transportation; after which captain
Glover and his whole crew received their pardons; when having
hired a fresh set of men, he embarked on board the ship captain
Kidwall had so unjustly wrested from me; and without any circum-
stance worth relating, arrived in health at my first island.

It now drawing toward evening, my cousin took his leave of him
for the present, promising to return in the morning, and bring him
over to visit me; which he accordingly did. Captain Glover was
so much delighted with the honest and artless manners of my con-
verts, that he declared himself inclinable to spend the remainder of

HENRY LANSON.

41

his days among them; in which resolution he became completely
fixed, on my cousin informing him that he also proposed dedicat-
ing the rest of his life to the spiritual good and welfare of these
people. Indeed, nothing could have prevented my joining them,
but the ardent desire I had of once more entering on a voyage
which promised to conduct me to the possession of all I held dear
on this side the grave. But still I could not bear the idea of leav-
ing the oracle, and the subterraneous passage of the fun, in their
present perfect state; least at some future period, or on the death
of my cousin, the Karamskaoians should return to their former ido-
latry. Therefore communicating my thoughts to him and the
captain, they proposed the following project; namely, that my
cousin, the captain, and a few of the crew whom they could confide
in, should on the following night remove all the treasure out of
the subterraneous passage on board our ship; and then taking some
barrels of powder from thence, form a mine, and blow up the
whole thereof; taking care previously to pull down and secure the
pieces of the idol, in such a manner as to appear having been
thrown down at the instant the rest were destroyed; and that in the
mean time I should pretend to have had a vision in my sleep;
wherein I had been assured, that the oracle, and the temple of the
fun, should be thrown down by an earthquake on the very night I
dreamed it; and that I had received a command also to return to
my native country, and leave my cousin as my successor. All this
being settled, he and the captain set out that evening, in order to
selecf their men, and commence the execution thereof, having pre-
viously agreed with me on a proper signal for my certain know-
lege of their having completed their project, and being ready to
spring the mine. I waited two or three days with anxiety for the
appointed signal, and at length saw the wished-for rocket ascend.
My heart bounded at the fight; and retiring to my hut, I arose
early the next morning; when having summoned the priefts, and
some of the principal Indian; I related my vision to them, and
reqested them to accompany me to the island, with which they
readily acquiesced. But nothing could equal their astonishment
and surprife when, upon our landing, they beheld the whole de-
molished, as I had already foretold. They raifed their hands to
heaven; and although they had, when I first made known my in-
tention of leaving them, ufed every argument they could think of
to prevail on me to stay, they now submitted with patience to what
they believed was the will of that providence I had taught them to
adore. We were now joined by captain Glover and my cousin; to
whom some of the priefts made known my intention. Upon which
the latter assured them, that since it was my determination to do
so, there should be nothing wanting on his part to fill up the void
that would be occasioned by my absence; by which time the ship
(as captain Glover and I had concerted at our last interview) hav-
ing put out a little way to sea, returned, and cast anchor within
a cable's length of shore, thus appearing as though it had just ar-
rived; which, together with the mate's having assumed the com-
mand thereof, in consequence of captain Glover's resolution of re-

42 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF HENRY LANSON.

maining with the *Karamśkaoians*, gave our fiction every appearance
of reality. I then invited the prieſts, and some of the principal
*Indians* on board, where I entertained them in the beſt manner I
was able; for which they in return gave the ſhip’s company the
next day a grand entertainment on ſhore. At length the moment
of ſeparation arriving, a moſt affecting ſcene took place between
me and my late pupils; when having taken leave of captain *Glover*
and my cousin, (the latter of whom deſired me to ſend him over
from *England*, a well-choſen library of books, and whatever eſſ I
thought neceſſary for him in his preſent ſituation), I jumped into
the boat, which immediately rowed to the ſhip. We then weighed
anchor; and the wind fetting fair, we put off to ſea; and after a
favourable paſſage, arrived safely in the *Downs* on the 24th of
*May*, 1782. From thence I proceeded to my uncle’s at *Kew*,
where I met with the moſt cordial reception; but the emotions this
joyful meeting occasioned were very near proving fatal to my cousin
*Eliza*, who fell into a ſwoon, from which it was with the greatest
difficulty ſhe could be recovered. She then, for the benefit of the
air, retired into the garden; where I had the inexprefſible pleafure
to learn from her own lips, that the paſſion ſhe had formerly ac-
knowledged for me ſtill remained the fame. In this rapturous
ſituation we continued till the dinner-bell ſummoned us to partake
of a repaſt, which the family was only waiting our arrival to fit
down to. As ſoon as the cloth was removed (having obtained
*Eliza’s* conſent thereto during our interview in the garden), I
asked leave to ſpeak with my uncle in private; who instantly tak-
ing me to his ſtudy, I informed him of the paſſion I had conceived
for his lovely daughter, and that ſhe had declared herſelf perfectly
agreeable to my wiſhes, provided my ſuit met with his approba-
tion; to which he replied, by affuring me that he was no ſtranger
to the ſentiments we entertained for each other; and that there
was no other man on earth to whom he would ſo willingly give his
daughter. Every thing being thus ſettled, I deſired my charmer
to fix the happy day; when on its arrival, I was united at the pa-
rish church, amid the acclamations of the ſurrounding villagers.
Thus, after a variety of the moſt ſingular adventures that ever
befel any one man, I am bleſſed with an amiable partner, and every
requisite to make the married life comfortable.

Soon after my nuptials I made up the cargo for my cousin, as
above mentioned, and ſent it over by the veſſel that had brought
me to my native country; which in due time returned, with the
pleasing intelligence that both him and captain *Glover* were in
perfect health; and that the latter having married one of the old
prieft’s daughters, the *Karamśkaoians* had choſen him for their
*Awhitio*, or king. My cousin also informed me, that his endea-
vours to promote the *Christian* religion had been crowned with
the greatest ſuccesſs, and that he did not believe there was a Pagan
to be found upon the whole island.

F I N I S.

Printed by S. Fisher, St. John's Lane, Clerkenwell.