drink, and it was soon gone.  The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small pancakes to begin with.  The ham was reserved for some more important occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water.  The remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and reflection.  At night, I read prayers from the “Prayer Book,” before mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the pirates.  This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay there.  Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.

Monday, 21st.—­In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation of finding something useful.  On our way picked up a paddle about three feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handle, which was like that of a shovel, the top part being split off; we laid it by for the present.  We likewise found some konchs and roasted them; they were pretty good shell fish, though rather tough.  We discovered at low water, a bar or spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with mangrove trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree.  My friend Mr. Bracket and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned without success.  The tide rises about four feet.

Tuesday, 22d.—­We found several pieces of the palmetto or cabbage tree, and some pieces of boards, put them together in the form of a raft, and endeavored to cross, but that proved ineffectual.  Being disappointed, we set down to reflect upon other means of relief, intending to do all in our power for safety while our strength continued.  While setting here, the sun was so powerful and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the sea, which was then calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was so painful, that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and flies were so numerous, that good rest could not be found.  We were, however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the ground to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we found a hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable.  At night the strong north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all seasons, was so cold as to make it equally uncomfortable with the day.  Thus day after day, our sufferings and apprehensions multiplying, we were very generally alarmed.

Thursday, 24th.—­This morning, after taking a little coffee, made of the water which we thought least salt, and two or three of the little cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make another visit to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more, which might make a raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid perishing by thirst.  Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across the bar and searched