Hutchinson was a religious man apparently, in a true sense, always seeking to discharge his duties in accordance with the high standard thus derived. It is related of him that, when his ship had foundered—the date is not mentioned—upon one occasion, and he and some of his shipmates were in danger of perishing through hunger and thirst, they adopted the terrible device of drawing lots as to which of them should die and furnish the remainder with this ghastly means of prolonging life. The lot fell upon Hutchinson; but, before the horrible act could be consummated, a sail appeared, and they were rescued. Hutchinson, it is said, observed the anniversary of this day with strict devotions of thanksgiving for the remainder of his life. Such recognition was certainly due; but how many sailors would so faithfully have rendered it?
CHAPTER XI
In the year 1745 some merchants of London fitted out three privateers—the Prince Frederick, 28 guns, 244 men, commanded by Captain James Talbot, who was in chief command; the Duke, of 20 guns, 150 men, Captain Morecock; and the Prince George, 20 guns, 134 men. This little squadron sailed from Cowes on June 2nd, and on the 7th a frightful disaster befell them, the Prince George, under circumstances not explained, capsizing and going down. These vessels were very heavily masted, and, if the weights were not carefully bestowed, a sudden squall when under full sail, with, perhaps, the lee gun-ports open, might easily be fatal. The unfortunate Eurydice, though of somewhat later construction, was of this type of vessel, and, as will be remembered, capsized off the Isle of Wight one Sunday afternoon, only two being saved out of the whole crew.
The Commodore contrived to save some twenty men from his unhappy consort; and then proceeded, with the Prince Frederick, to cruise between the Azores and the banks of Newfoundland.
This cruise is remarkable for two things: its brevity and the richness of the prizes captured.
On July 10th three sails were seen, bearing west, and the two privateers immediately gave chase. These were the Marquis d'Antin, 450 tons, 24 guns, and 68 men, commanded by Magon Serpere; the Louis Erasmé, 500 tons, 28 guns, and 66 men, commanded by Pedro Lavigne Quenell; and the Notre Dame de Deliverance, 300 tons, 22 guns, and 60 men, commanded by Pedro Litant; all three hailing from St. Malo. They were now returning from Lima; and little did Talbot and his men suspect the riches they carried.
