What a sight was it to behold a multitude of wretches, who all wanted to escape death, and all sought to save themselves, either in the boats or upon the rafts!  The frigate’s ladder was insufficient for so many:  some threw themselves from the vessels, trusting to the end of a rope, which was scarcely able to bear a man’s weight; some fell into the sea, and were recovered; what is surprising is, that amidst all this confusion, there was not a single serious accident.

Though in so terrible a situation, on our fatal raft, we cast our eyes upon the frigate, and deeply regretted this fine vessel, which, a few days before, seemed to command the waves, which it cut through with astonishing rapidity.  The masts, which had supported immense sails, no longer existed, the barricade was entirely destroyed:  the vessel itself was cast on the larboard quarter.

All the boats, after they had sheered off, proceeded in different manners, as we shall afterwards relate; but the men on board, when they reached the shore, had to contend with a thousand causes of destruction.  We will first exactly relate all the operations that were executed till the moment when the raft was abandoned.

About seven o’clock, the signal for departure was given; four of the boats stood out to sea, the raft was still along side of the frigate, where it was moored:  the captain’s barge was under the bowsprit and the barge near our machine, on which it had just embarked some men.  At length we were ordered to depart; but whether from a presentiment of what was to happen to us, or whether Mr. Correard entertained just fears, which the event proved to be but too well founded, he would not depart, till he had convinced himself that our raft was provided with all the necessary instruments and charts, to navigate with some degree of safety in case bad weather should oblige the boats to separate from us.  As it was impossible to move upon the raft, because we were so crowded together he thought it the easiest to call to Mr. ——­ who immediately answered to his call.  Coming to the larboard, he asked what we wanted?  The following questions were then put to him:  “Are we in a condition to depart?  Have we instruments and charts?” Yes, yes, replied he, “I have provided you with every thing that can be necessary for you.”  He was then asked, what naval officer was to come and command us? he answered:  “It is I; in a moment I shall be with you.”  After saying this he disappeared, and went on board one of the boats.

How is it possible that a French sea officer should be guilty of such bad faith to his unhappy countrymen, who placed all their confidence in him?