from breaking out into an open violation of his orders, by the firm and resolute conduct he displayed, and the strict discipline be maintained, even in the midst of the almost insurmountable difficulties and dangers with which he was surrounded. The people at one time had carried their disobedience so far, as to threaten his life; and had absolutely completed a raft made of the booms, on which they were determined to take their chance, rather than remain any longer on board the ship: fortunately, however, at the instant, it was about to be launched, a favorable breeze sprung up, when, with a presence of mind possessed by few men, Lieutenant Riou, by his remonstrances, prevailed on them to give up a plan which must inevitably have plunged them into certain destruction. The Guardian continued driving about, chiefly at the mercy of the wind and sea; though at times, in moderate weather, Lieutenant Riou was enabled to keep her head the course he wished to steer; and sometimes she was forced through the water at the rate of four knots an hour. At length on the 21st of February, 1700, to their inexpressible joy, land was discovered; and by the assistance of two whale boats, which were sent out from a British ship lying in Table Bay, the Guardian was towed into safe anchorage, by which , this excellent officer and his companions were preserved from utter destruction[1].
“On the 22d, a Dutch packet being about to sail for Europe, Mr. Riou sent by her the following letter:–
- ↑ “It has been said that the Guardian fell in with a ship at sea, which had given her assistance into the Cape: this, I was assured by my late worthy friend, was not the case; what has been related concerning the fate of the Guardian, after the boats left her, I had from himself soon after his arrival at the Cape.” – (Schomberg.)
