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The writer of this narrative tells us, that he was particularly circumſtantial in his account of this part of their tranſaction, becauſe he thinks it diſplayes in a moſt remarkable manner, the preſence of mind which was preſerved, and the prudence that was exerted by Captain Wilſon, in one of the moſt trying ſituations to which human nature can be expoſed. It ſhows alſo the temper and diſpoſition of his officers and his whole crew, and pronounces their praiſes with ten thouſand times more force than any other words that could be uſed.
The dawn diſcovered to their view a ſmall iſland, at the diſtance of about four leagues to the ſouthward, and as the day-light increaſed they ſaw more iſlands to the weſtward. They now began to feel great apprehenſion on account of the natives, to whoſe diſpoſitions they were perfect ſtrangers; however, after their boats were manned, and loaded in the beſt manner for the general good, they were diſpatched to the ſmall iſland, under the direction of Mr. Benger, the chief mate, who was requeſted to eſtablith, if poſſible, a friendly intercourſe with the natives, if they found any, and carefully to avoid any quarrels with them.
In the afternoon the boats returned to the ſhip with the pleaſing news that they had landed the ſtores in ſafety, and left five men to take care of them; that there was no
