sung, told stories, and, one after the other, sank to sleep, but not without experiencing previously the usual craving of hunger and thirst. At daylight next morning, they ascended trees on the highest ground, but could not see anything of the boat, nor any movement from the ship; indeed they had no reason to expect any relief from her, as they had been supplied with provisions and water for several days consumption. They now, as on the preceding day, eat a few shell fish, which, although a momentary alleviation of hunger, increased their thirst; and drank some brackish water, which at the moment seemed a relief, but the temporary gratification was the certain precursor of increased want of drink, accompanied by an inward burning. At length, however, after passing many hours in this unenviable manner, they succeeded in attracting the notice of the colonial boat, which had left the settlement for the purpose of fishing, and had not any previous knowledge of their situation; the scanty supply of bread and other refreshments which her limited means afforded them was most acceptable – it was indeed a luxury. Their own boat they succeeded in rescuing just as she was about to enter a heavy surf.
On the 11th Oct. 1804, Mr. Woodriff was removed to the Bellerophon 74, in which ship, successively commanded by Captains John Loving, and John Cooke[1], Lieutenant William Pryce Cumby, and Captain Edward Rotherham, he served on the Channel and Mediterranean stations upwards of three years. The following is an extract of a certificate which he received from Captain Cooke’s immediate successor:–
“His conduct during the action off Cape Trafalgar, on the 21st Oct. 1805, was highly spirited and meritorious, as I had frequent occasion to remark from his being stationed under my immediate notice on the quarter-deck.
The Bellerophon on this memorable occasion, had no less than 150 officers and men killed and wounded. In the gales of wind after the action, she rolled and laboured much, being very light, and greatly damaged both below and aloft: the
- ↑ Killed at Trafalgar, – see Vol. II. Part II. p. 968, et seq.
