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- Voyage of the Matavy Tender

Voyage of the Matavy Tender

by David Thomas Renouard, Midshipman, HMS Pandora

[Some paragraphs have been inserted for readability. Some obvious errors have also been corrected, such as a missing letter or duplicate words. The Footnotes (and spelling) are the author's own.]

His Majesty's Ship Pandora was commissioned at Chatham on the 10th August 1790; for the express purpose of finding the mutineers belonging to His Majesty's late Ship Bounty and the command of her given to Capt'n Edw'd Edwards; on board of which Ship I made my entrance into the Service in my 16th year. We sailed from Portsmouth on the 7th November following and nothing material happened out of the usual course of sea voyages till after we quitted Rio Janeiro from whence we sailed on the 8th January 1791; and having weathered some hard Gales with a tremendous sea off the Coast of Brazil made Cape Horn on the 2nd February following; for a considerable time we met with nothing but adverse winds (the winter season being far advanced) which compelled us to stand well to the southward to avoid the dangers of a lee shore. It was about a fortnight before we had completely doubled the Cape and were fairly launched into the great Pacific Ocean which gave us no small pleasure after having been long tossed about in the boisterouse Seas of this inhospitable climate. But like true Sons of Neptune with a return of fine weather and favorable breezes we soon forgot our late cares and toils. After having passed the Tropic of Capricorn we fell in with the usual trade winds and met with no occurrence worthy of remark till our arrival at Otaheite on the 23rd March 1791. Here we found fourteen of the Mutineers but it is unnecessary to enter into any other detail respecting them further than serves to elucidate my own narrative. Two parties of the Pandora's people were sent on shore under the command of Lieuts Corner and Hayward, to secure the mutineers which was ultimately effected. Our boats chased and after a few hours came up with a small vessel in which some of them were attempting to make their escape; and of which I shall endeavour to give a short description, as it was in her I underwent many hardships.

The mutineers conceiving themselves insecure in a place so well known as Otaheite with much perseverance built this boat with the aid of the natives, out of such inefficient materials as the island produced, and with the tools saved out of the plunder of the Bounty's stores. She was handsomely shaped of about 18 or 20 tons burden, decked and rigged with two large matt sprit sails. By the declaration of these people, it appeared that they meant to attempt a passage to the N.W. coast of America, and had actually put to sea for this purpose, but whether it was their real intention to risk so long a voyage is of little of no moment here. They found their little bark so crank and little sea worthy that they deemed it expedient to return to Otaheite.

Capt'n Edwards resolved to commission her and gave orders that she should be repaired, supplied with canvas sails and such other necessaries as the service required; and having christened the Matuavi Tender after a bay so named at Otaheite he gave her in charge to a master's mate, (commander) midshipman and quartermaster and six seamen. It is almost needless to remark that in a voyage like ours, when we were about to explore new regions and unknown seas, very great advantages were likely to accrue from the assistance of a tender for from the length of our voyage it would not have been practicable for the ship to lie to, during the night (always of considerable duration within the tropics) and the dangers of making in the dark, a course, probably never before traversed, was in a great measure obviated, as the Tender always made sail ahead by night and had strict orders to keep a good look out and make signals on the first approach of danger.

We sailed from hence on the 8th May following. The Midshipman who was on board the Matuavi being indisposed I obtained permission to supersede him, & as I went on board in haste I took little more than change of clothes, a circumstance which I had afterwards much cause to regret. It will be sufficient to observe that, after having passed and partially explored several Islands, we arrived off the cluster called Navigators, on the 18th June 1791; and hence may be dated the commencement of all our troubles. The natives of these islands (unfortunately for us) were among the most ferocious Tribe of Savages who inhabit the Southern Archipelago. On the 25th June the ship arrived off the island of Otootooeba [Footnote: On this island, says Mr Hamilton, 'we found some of the French navigators clothing and buttons and there is little doubt, that they had been murdered' see his Voyage page 92. Perhaps this is the same place where two boats crews belonging to the unfortunate Pereuse were masacreed.] and we were reconnoitering close in shore (as usual when any land was made) while she remained in the offing to the best of my recollection and judgement about 4 or 5 leagues. The natives came off in their canoes, but from their behaviour we forboded no good; they kept continually hovering about our boat and though they had plenty of hogs fruit &c in their canoes we could not persuade them to traffic with us, notwithstanding our utmost endeavours were exerted to bring on a friendly intercourse, by offering such articles in exchange as we conceived (from past experience) calculated to suit their fancy. Owing to the little wind (being nearly calm) our situation became very critical; we dreaded an attack and the sequel will show our fears were too well founded; for shortly after the savages becoming more daring, surrounded us in such numbers that we could scarce keep off their canoes, which however we did for some time by means of our boarding pikes.

Mr Oliver our commander now gave directions to have our arms [Footnote: 2-7 Barrel Pieces 6 Muskets 3 pr Pistols] in readiness in case of emergency, and at the same time laid the strongest injunctions on his men not to fire, without his expres orders; for actuated by humanity no less than by a sense of duty, he resolved not to shed human blood unnecessarily. Every moment became more alarming, and at length one of the savages more bold than the rest, flourished his club in defiance and uttering a kind of war-whoop (the signal for general attack) reached over the boat's stern, and aimed a blow at our commander which fortunately fell short. Mr Oliver then fired three pistols successively which either flashed in the pan or missed fire; when seeing our perilous situation (as the savages did not retire being unacquainted with the effect of fire-arms) he permitted our crew to fire, and the savage who levelled the blow was killed by the discharge of one of our seven barrel pieces and several others were wounded; the consternation became general, the savages, on seeing their companions fall immediately jumped into the sea setting up a horrid yell; & swam on shore dragging their canoes after them. To add to our misfortune the day was far advanced and the ship was seen standing out to sea with a brisk wind; while we could make little way after her, being almost becalmed under the highland. Towards sunset we caught the sea breeze which increased to a fresh gale accompanied with hazy weather, and we set every stitch of sail our boat would carry after the Frigate. When night came on we lose [sic sight], but continued to stand on the same course in which before it became dark the ship was seen steering. At midnight we discerned as we thought her lights ahead and consequently kept on the same tack till day-break, firing muskets at intervals & hanging out her lights.

As soon as day appeared, to our astonishment & dismay, the ship was out of sight. I will not attempt to describe the horror of our situation, but leave the reader to judge of it. We had only two alternatives, the one to go about & stand in for the land in search of the ship, the other to proceed to our rendez-vous (Anamooka Friendly Islds) a distance of near seven hundred miles. Not a moment was to be lost & our commandant determined on the latter. Our little store of provisions was nearly expended and to add to our distress we had not received a fresh supply, which was actually on the Pandora's quarter deck in readiness for us, the day we parted Company, and if we had again made for the Island and not had the good fortune to find the Ship, our ruin would have been inevitable; as our late hostilities with the savages, precluded all idea of succour from them and had we lost a day's run, we should have had still less chance of reaching the rendez-vous appointed in case of separation. On examination our Provisions consisted of about a dozen pieces of Salt Beef & Pork, 20 lbs of bread, 3 or 4. lbs of Butter, a small quantity of flour and wheat, a Barrel of Sour Krout, a keg of salt, and nearly a gallon of rum; but what was of infinately more consequence scarcely 3 quarts of water. The review of this scanty allowance did not alleviate our misery; but instead of giving way to despair we trusted for our deliverance, to that kind Providence which guides the mariner in safety through the trackless deep.

On the 22nd the wind blowing favorably, we shaped our course to Anamooka, and our stock of water being so very slender, we by mutual agreement abstained from taking any this day. On the 23rd the wind still continued the same, and we distributed about a gill of water to each man. On the 24th the weather still continued favorable and the same allowance of water as on the preceeding day with a tablespoonful of rum was divided among us. With regard to eatables everyone was left to his own option, but our thirst became so intolerable that none of us had much inclination for them. For my own part I chose some biscuit well buttered to moisten my mouth. On the morning of the 25th we discovered a small island right ahead; our hopes & fears were now raised to the highest pitch for the Land appearing lofty made us conjecture that it probably contained water. We neared the island fast and about noon came to anchor in a small bay. A party immediately went on shore in a small canoe we had on board, (which answered the purpose of a skiff) in search of water; they soon returned crying out that they had found some, but could not procure it without the aid of cordage, as it was at the bottom of a deep hollow. We instantly bent some ropes together and went to the assistance of our comrades; one of whom was let down but to our unspeakable disappointment, it was found to be salt, and we returned to the beach quite disheartened. The island bore evident marks of volcanic eruptions, the soil was parched up and mixed with ashes, and the hollow in its centre much resembled the crater of an extinguished Volcano; there was scarce any verdure to be seen. This inhospitable spot was uninhabited; but fires having been recently made in different parts; it may be presumed that it was occasionally visited by the natives of the neighbouring Isles on fishing excursions.

We got under way not a little chagrined with our ill-success and proceeded on our destination. Several islands were now plainly descried from our Deck, under our lee, about 6 or 7 leagues distant, but as they did not lie exactly in our route, to explore them would have been too hazardous an undertaking. Some sugar canes (which we had brought off from the desert Island) were now distributed in equal shares; they afforded at most, but a momentary relief, for our thirst became greater than before. Our small pittance of water was issued this day as usual, with two or three spoonfuls of rum to each; at different periods. On the whole of the 26th & 27th the wind continued favorable, but the clearness of the atmosphere gave us no hopes of rain. During these two days nothing remarkable occurred. Our suffering increased as our water diminished, & I am convinced that those only who have been in similar situations, can form any adequate idea of our distress. The truth of an old adage that 'necessity is the mother of invention' was verified in us for we had recourse to various contrivances to alleviate our misery. Some of our sailors drank sea-water in which sour crout [sic] had been steeped but it made them retch and vomit violently. We frequently dipped our faces in seawater which seemed to afford us a slight refreshment; and I had great difficulty in persuading our quartermaster to refrain from drinking it. His loss would have been irreparable, for he was not only an excellent seaman but also understood the business of a sailmaker, which was a matter of the utmost consequence as the sequel will shew.

We took it in turn to boil water in a [Footnote: It held about 5 Galls.] kettle (used for cooking our victuals) and by collecting the steam as it condensed in the lid, we procured in every two hours about a table-spoonful of fresh; which some mixed with their allowance of spirits, while others preferred it unmixed. This remedy was almost as bad as the disease; for those who procured it were exposed to the heat of the fire, in addition to that of the climate which was sufficiently oppressive. We had now run on the evening of the 27th between 6oo & 700 miles by our log, & were according to our dead reckoning within a few leagues of our rendezvous; yet the much wished for haven was not in sight and our Commander deemed it would be prudent to lie to for fear of passing it in the night. Towards night as no land appeared (nor any birds, the usual sign of its vicinity) we began to despair all of us were much exhausted especially an old seaman who lay on his bed perfectly resigned to his fate; our last precious drop of water was expended and our rum nearly gone.

On the first dawn of day we made sail with a moderate breeze in the same quarter. Our anxiety to see land was of course increasing every moment; but such was our depression of spirits and our want of bodily strength, that none attempted to keep a lookout at the masthead. As our last gill of water had been served out the day preceeding, this day an additional spoonful of rum was given to each man. I had, hitherto, (probably owing to my youth) supported my spirits better than my companions in misfortune, & about noon I mustered resolution enough to climb up to the Mast head (but not without considerable pain) [Footnote: Chiefly occasioned by some large boils which had broken out on my legs & arms; probably in consequence of an impoverished state of blood.] and to my great Joy soon discovered land ahead in the form of two sugar loaves at the distance to the best of my judgment of about 6 or 7 leagues. I hailed the deck with the good news but so fearful were my shipmates of disappointment that they would not give credit to my assertions nor even for a while believe their own senses. However our wishes were soon gratified; the breeze freshened and our little bark drawing nearer, we plainly discerned three islands and about 4 P.M. altered our course and hauled up along the shore of the easternmost, bounded by a heavy surf in search of an opening, or Bay to run into. We remained for some time in the most tantalizing state for our eyes were feasted with abundance & several of the natives who attempted to come off to us had their canoes either upset or driven back by the violence of the surf. At length some canoes were seen standing out of a bay at a considerable distance ahead, and the sight of them coming along side filled with cocoanuts excited a sensation that I will not attempt to describe.

The Savages were well disposed, (a favorable circumstance for in our reduced state we could have made but a very feeble resistance) and their canoes were soon lightened of their contents. It was now exactly a week since we had parted company, and I do sincerely believe that we could not have survived another day without nourishment. Having amply satiated our burning thirst with the milk of the nuts, we with grateful hearts returned thanks to the Almighty for our preservation. Our prospect now began somewhat to brighten and hope took place of despondency. When night came on we made a good offing to avoid being incommoded by the too numerous visits of our new friends; and indeed it would have been imprudent to have given them an insight into our weakness. This precaution having been taken we sat down to supper on some sweet potatoes, not a little thankful for such a delicious repast. We afterwards laid down to rest with a composure to which we had long been strangers; and got some sound sleep which greatly refreshed us. As soon as daylight appeared we cast our eyes around in search of our ship, alas! in vain: but though this occasioned uneasiness yet our orders being to remain Three weeks at our rendezvous we were not much alarmed as we expected she would shortly heave in sight; for we had not the least notion (at that time) that we had mistaken the island of Toofoa for that of Anamooka.

Every person versed in nautical affairs will (I am convinced) readily allow the great difficulty and uncertainty of keeping a correct reckoning in a situation like ours; for our latitude was all we could depend on, and fortunately we had 2 quadrants on board, which gave us means of taking the sun meridian altitude, with tolerable accuracy; but we had no charts to refer to for information. We had many strong reasons for supposing these islands to have been our proper rendezvous; there were three principal ones which corresponded in many respects, with the description given by Capt'n Cook of Anamooka, Tongataboo, and Etood. The natives were amicable, and the islands abounded in hogs, yams, bread fruit and sugar canes; and in fact we were among the Friendly Isles, Toofoa being one of that group, & Anamooka was not a great many leagues to the westward of us: but our preservation would have been endangered if we had run far to leeward or westward for there was not any land in sight in that quarter, and we should not have been able to regain our former station off Tofooa; as our boat sailed very badly to leeward, & being within the track of the trade wind it of course invariably blew from the eastward.

Having explained the ground which induced us to remain off Tofooa, I shall next proceed to a brief statement of the leading occurrences which took place during our stay. The late rencontre with the savages of Otootooeba put us on our guard and we adopted the following method of procuring subsistance; when the natives came off we only permitted a single canoe, or two at most to lie along side at a time, and stood out towards the sea with their canoe in tow, till a bargain was concluded; when they returned on shore, highly delighted with the articles [Footnote: Pieces of old iron hoop, nails &c, in short anything made of iron was eagerly sought after] given them in exchange for hogs, yams, bread fruit, plantains, &c. By repeating this manoeuvre as occasion required, our deck was speedily covered with provisions. On the second night after our arrival (30th June) there came on a violent storm of thunder, lightening, and rain, the latter a blessing we had often of late most ardently prayed for; all hands were now busily employed in catching the water by spreading the boat sails athawt her deck, in this manner was procured a quantity sufficient to fill several casks: thus the bounty of heaven amply supplied our wants. We were so plentifully supplied with provisions, that we every day enjoyed a wholesome meal of fresh meat with a profusion of tropical fruits: and we soon recovered our health & strength. The savages frequently made signs as if they wished us to come on shore, but we did not comply with their request; for to divide our small crew would have been too hazardous,—they were much adicted to theiving and one day gave us a specimen of their dexterity in that act, for while our attention was occupied in making some purchases, one of them had the audacity to steal away the cover of our harness cask [Footnote: A cask or tub used on board ship for containing the salt provisions for our present consumption] being no doubt tempted by the iron about it, and actually bore off his prize in triumph, for he had with his companion, paddled away to some distance before we discovered our loss, a musket was fired at them, but it had not the desired effect, for it did not induce them to give it up. This little fracas happily did not break off our friendly connection.

Having cruized about the islands, for 3 weeks in almost every direction, we began to despair of meeting with the Pandora, and (even on a supposition that we had mistaken our place of rendezvous) we did not dare, for reasons before assigned, to run further to the westward. We therefore began to consider about our means of making some European settlement, whence we might procure a passage to England. Our water for sea stock was laid in at a small island situated about 5 leagues from Toofoa, which we had before partially examined and found suited for our purpose; the natives not being very numerous. As we were obliged to keep close inshore while we were taking in our water, a business rendered very tedious by the natives who brought it off in very small quantities [Footnote: It was brought on board in calabashes and cocoa nut shells.] at a time, we put up a boarding net to prevent our being overpowered, or taken by surprise, in the event of an attack; nor were our precautions useless. Mr Oliver permitted four of our crew (who volunteered) to go on shore for water, but as the natives were much inclined to pilfer (a vice predominant in all the South Sea Islands) he ordered the cask which they took with them, to be covered with a piece of old hammock cloth that the savages might not be tempted to murder them for the sake of the iron hoops. Our sailors performed their errand and returned unmolested from their description, it appeared that the only water on the island, was supplied by a tank or resevoir, which filled itself during the rainy season. We had scarce completed our water before the savages meditated an attack, their canoes were collected on the beach opposite to us; and there being very little wind, favored their intentions (for as in light wind and calm their canoes had a great superiority over our boat, so in a fresh breeze & rough sea we had the advantage on our side) they advanced towards us in slow and regular order, frequently resting on their paddles as if deliberating on what they should do. Our canvas was all spread, yet we made little way: they were now about a quarter of a mile astern, and we could plainly discern that they had warlike weapons; and that some of them were preparing to shoot their arrows: on this we fired two musket balls among them, & they desisted from any further attempt.

We again resumed our old station off Toofoa and procured a great quantity of yams, which being carefully dried were stowed away for sea use, & as we had given up all hopes of joining our Ship, every method was now tried to better the condition of our boat, & prepare for a voyage of more than 3000 miles. The nearest European Settlement was Port Jackson, but Mr Oliver resolved at all events to push for some of the Dutch settlements in India in preference to the former place; fearful of being blown off by the strong winds which (as he had been informed) prevail on the Eastern coast of New Holland. In our situation if a spirit of discontent or insubordination had manifested itself among our sailors, our case would have been desperate indeed, as it was by our united efforts only, that we could ever reasonably expect to surmount the difficulties we had to combat; but fortunately their conduct was highly praiseworthy. As we had experienced great inconvenience and even some degree of danger from the clumsiness of our large sprit sails, we altered them, and rigged our little bark, after the manner of a schooner which answered infinitely better. Having taken in a sufficient proportion of yams to last on an average near 3 months, besides a number of Hogs and provender for them, with sundry other necessaries; we took leave of our copper colored friends, & set sail from the Friendly Islands on the 1st August 1791.

We now shaped our course to Northwestward for Endeavour Straits; fell in with several islands in our track and passed a cluster called the New Hebrides, but anxious to make the best of our way did not explore them. The quantity of provisions we had taken on board for our sea stock naturally much increased our Boat's draught of water, and at times, she labored a good deal, so that we had almost constant recourse to the hand pump, in order to keep her hold free, & prevent our yams from being spoiled; indeed our very existence, in a great measure depended on the preservation of our yams, as it was on them we chiefly relied for subsistance; and whenever the weather would permit of it, they were brought on deck and laid in the sun to dry. It was a most fortunate circumstance that (except some hard squalls) we met with no bad weather; for a heavy gale had sprung up after we left the Friendly Isles & had our Boat which was very doubtful outlived the storm, all our live stock must either have perished, or have been washed overboard. It was about this period that I began to feel the effects of the privations I had undergone being attacked with fever and loss of appetite, which at intervals rendered me delirious.

Nothing more occurred worthy of particular observation, till we got into the latitude of the Straits, when we [set] our course to due west, in order to gain the entrance; & by steering West the setting of the current [Footnote: At the time the Pandora was lost the current ran 6 miles per hour.] was also to a certain extent ascertained. For some length of time, we continued in this track, in daily expectation of making Land; when one evening, about the latter end of the month, we discovered breakers right ahead, and found ourselves embayed by an extensive reef, [Footnote: Most probably the same which proved so fatal to our ship.] stretching nearly North and South, as far as the eye could reach; but no land was in sight. We immediately hauled our wind and carried a press of sail, in hopes of clearing the weathermost or Northern point. The breeze freshened with the setting sun, the waves increased, and our position became dreadful. Our Boat, owing to the swell, & strong current setting in, was going fast to seaward on the rocks, on which the surf ran prodigiously high. Our destruction seemed unavoidable; when in this moment of peril, that power, by which we had hitherto been so signally protected, rescued us from a watery grave; for the wind veering near a point in our favour we cleared the weathermost part of the reef, & found ourselves in smooth water, when we brought up for the night.

So dangerous & intricate is the navigation of these straits, that we were buffeting about a whole week, before we had completely cleared them. Our passage was impeded by numerous shoals, sandy keys, and small islands, under shelter of which we generally brought up during the night. These places abounded in turtles & birds eggs, which afforded us many comfortable meals,—some of the islands also produced, a species of fruit much resembling the damsen plum, both in appearance and flavour, and we found no bad effect from eating them. After having sought in vain for an opening to the westward, we were at last compelled to run all hazards, and push our boat over a shoal, endeavouring to find out a channel, by the color of the sea, in working our way thro' which, she struck more than once, but as we had fortunately light winds and smooth water, not with sufficient force to do any material damage. We could not discern the coast of New Holland, but had a very extensive view of the southern part of New Guinea. It was no small consolation after meeting so many obstacles, to find ourselves again in the main ocean.

The wind continued to blow steadily from the Eastward, and in about a fortnight we made land, having run on an average nearly 100 miles pr day, since quitting the straights. The land we had made was the island of Timor, but found ourselves too far to the Southward to make for the Dutch settlement of Coupang. For some time we continued standing along the shore when to our great joy we fell in with a Dutch merchant vessel whose captain treated us with a humanity honorable to his feelings; He supplied several of our wants and shewed us his charts of the neighbouring islands; which enabled us to ascertain our situation with more precision, & the direction in which we ought to shape our course, to make some European settlement. We passed in sight along the southern part of the Islands of Flores, Cambova & Lomboc; & hauled up thro' the Straits of Balli; then stretched over the northern shore of the island of Java, and stood along the coast, till we came to a Dutch settlement, called Cherebay; where we came to an anchor.

Mr Oliver immediately waited on the Governor to acquaint with our misfortunes, and to implore the protection & assistance due to British subjects in distress. [Footnote: Great Britain was then at peace with New (sic) Holland.] The fate of the Bounty had been communicated to the different Dutch settlements in India; in consequence of which the Governor suspected the truth of our story; & our Commander being a non commissioned officer could not produce any warrant under the seal of office, [Footnote: Mr Oliver had a written order from his Capt'n to take the command of the Schooner], to substanciate the validity of his assertions. The appearance of our vessel built entirely of Otaheitan wood, with other concurring circumstances, served to strengthen him in the opinion that we were in reality part of the Pirates who had seized on the Bounty. [Footnote: It is a singular coincidence that the mutineers who quitted Otaheite in the Bounty corresponded with ourselves both in rank and numbers see Note page 2.] We were detained here for a month, but notwithstanding the Dutchmen's precaution were treated with great kindness. One of our poor fellows died here in the hospital; being far advanced in life, he fell an easy prey to the disease [ Fever & flux.] of the cimate. Mr Oliver & myself had a guard to attend us, who understood English, but we received the most polite and hospitable treatment from the Governor, and indeed none of us were kept in close confinement being permitted to ramble about the Town in the daytime. Our commander frequently pressed the Governor to let us depart, and at length orders were issued, that we should be forwarded to Batavia, in Proas (small coasting vessels) & we had the mortification to see our faithful little bark manned by a set of Dutch boors. These fellows were quite at a loss how to manage her, and their skill in manoeuvring her, very much resembled that, which may be often seen displayed by cockneys in a sailing boat on the Thames.

We sailed hence, about the 22nd Oct'r on four Proas with our Boat in company, and coasting along the shore with light and variable winds, arrived at the Dutch settlement of Saramang on the 29th following. At this place I was conveyed to the hospital in a wretched state, for after having quitted Cherebay [Footnote: Sarahay arrived here on 22nd Sepr 1791] I was attacked by fever and flux, and had been for 3 days without medical aid, and with no other nourishment than boild rice & unwholesome water. The very day after our arrival the Rembang Dutch Indiaman, put in here, having on board the remainder of the unfortunate Pandora's crew: thus a providential meeting took place no less joyful than unexpected. The pleasure that my late companions, in distress, must have felt, in again joining their old friends & shipmates, cannot be adequately expressed; but it was a happiness in which I could not participate, being at the time given over by the physicians. My worthy Captain (an old friend of my father's) came to pay me a visit in the hospital, and take a last farewell; however to the great astonishment of my friends, and in contradiction to the opinion of the Docters, my disorder at its crisis took a favorable turn. The wary Dutchmen at length convinced that we were no imposters, gave us up with the Tender to Captain Edwards; and I had now the satisfaction of being attended by my own surgeon, to whose kind assiduity I was much indebted; being carefully removed on board the Rembang. We remained at Saramang only a few days, and arrived at Batavia on the 7th November 1791.

At this port I was again removed to the hospital in a state of convalescence. This Climate is so prejudicial to Europeans, that I was soon joined by several of my shipmates among whom was the unfortunate Mr Oliver. [Footnote: this promising young officer died a few days after we left Batavia, only in his 20th year.) Our feelings were much shocked at the horrid scenes we witnessed in this receptacle of human misery. We were surrounded by poor wretches whose pallid faces and emaciated bodies to plainly indicated their approaching dissolution; & our ears were frequently assailed by the agonizing and expiring groans of sad victims to the pestilential air of Batavia. Capt'n Edwards with his officers and men were distributed on board 4 homeward bound Dutch Indianmen, in which ship we set sail on the 25th Dec'r 1791 rejoiced at leaving a port which had proved fatal to so many of our crew; & not a little happy in the prospect of again revisiting our native Country. During our passage the Mynheers, treated us with much harshness, an ungrateful return for our assistance in navigating home, several of their richly laden ships. [Footnote: The mortality of Batavia is so great that the Dutch merchants find much difficulty in procuring European sailors to man their homeward bound ships.] We experienced some heavy gales with a mountainous sea, off Madagascar, and after a tedious voyage of 3 months, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on the 19 March 1792. His Majesty's Ship Gorgon, commanded by Capt'n Parker, was lying here, & it was with no small pleasure that we hailed the British flag. By favor of Capt'n Gorgon [Parker] I was permitted to take my passage home in the Gorgon, & arrived in England in the month of June following. The officers & crew of the Pandora, did not reach Holland till the end of August; from whence they were conveyed to their own country in an English ship of War. On the 10th Sept'r 1792, they were tried by a court-martial for the loss of the ship and honorably acquitted.