Page:Shipwrecks and disasters at sea.pdf/23

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hands and feet became swelled and black, from their confined state, and exposure to the weather. At day-break one third of a wine-glass of rum and a quarter of a biscuit were served out; and at noon some spruce beer, which afforded great relief.

This day they discovered a sail; and, by means of one of the ladies’ shawls they made (illegible text) signal; and, on nearing, it was found, with great joy, to be their jolly-boat. The sensations of joy and disappointment were beyond expression. The distress in each during the separation of two nights, had been nearly equal. The jolly boat was again taken in tow, and a more equal distribution of provisions was made.

In the evening, rock-weed, and birds, such as (illegible text)e frequently eaten by the fishermen on the Banks of Newfoundland, were seen, which afforded great hopes; and the few who were able to move, were now called upon, and roused to make their last efforts to save themselves by rowing, and to take every advantage of the little breeze they then had.

They had been six days and six nights constantly wet and cold, without any other sustenance than a quarter of a biscuit and one glass of fluid for twenty-four hours; and their stock (illegible text)ould not, with the greatest economy, have (illegible text)sted two days longer.

In the night they had been under the necessity of casting off the jolly-boat’s tow-rope, (illegible text) enduce her crew to exert themselves by rowing.