animal's back, or rather of its bristles, as they
were erected, while keeping our dog at bay. I
took a steady and deliberate aim, fired, and
down the animal fell.. It proved to be a wild
boar of enormous dimensions, one that the
settlers had often hunted, but which had
hitherto escaped. We had some difficulty in
getting the carcass home, and had to return
for* assistance, as it required two o f' our
strongest men to carry it, weighing between
three and four hundred weight.
I November 8th. — This morning, at nine
o’clock, saw another brig at a great distance
in the horizon; observing her anxiously, perceived
she. was standing along land, without
showing any signs of approaching our island;
but, it being a fine day, we determined to try to
cross her bows; accordingly we launched, and
pulled in the direction of the vessel for two
hours; but then losing sight of her, and the
weather getting squally, we were compelled
to return, and, in pulling back, got caught in
a heavy squall; and it was with the greatest
difficulty we got safe to our settlement, having
run the risk of being blown to leeward of
the island. Thus another vessel is added to
my melancholy list; and I think that every
succeeding disappointment proves severer than
the last,
29th. — This morning, at eight * o’clock,,
observed a ship to leeward of the island, working
up towards our settlement: all hands were
instantly employed getting the boat ready to
launch, — for they never tire of their exertions
in my behalf and all take the greatest interest
for my safe return to my own country. After
the vessel had made two tacks to windward
we launched, and had a narrow escape through
a heavy surf, but we succeeded in boarding
her, about twelve o’clock!
The reader, who has accompanied me
through the detail of my various disasters,
will imagine, better than I can describe, what
were my sensations of joy and gratitude on
finding myself once more actually on board an
English vessel, surrounded by my countrymen!
She proved to be the “ Admiral Cockburn,”
bound for Van Diemen’s Land, Captain Cooling
commander. Though my personal appearance
must have been truly deplorable, no