My Mate and two others, refus'd to eat any that night, but next morning complied, and earnestly desir'd to partake with the rest.
I found they all eat abundance and with the utmost greediness, so that I was constrain'd to carry the quarters farther from the Tent, (quite out of their Reach) least they shou'd prejudice themselves by overmuch eating, as also expend our small stock too soon.
I also limited each Man to an equal Proportion, that none might quarrel, or entertain hard thoughts of my self, or one another, and I was the more oblig'd to this method, because I found (in a few days) their very natural dispositions chang'd, and that affectionate, peacable temper they had all along hitherto discover'd totally lost; their eyes staring and looking wild, their Countenances fierce and barbarous, and instead of obeying my Commands (as they had universally and readily done before) I found all I cou'd say (even prayers and entreaties vain and fruitless) nothing now being to be heard but brutish quarrels, with horrid Oaths and Imprecations, instead of that quiet submissive spirit of Prayer and supplication we had before enjoy'd.
This, together with the dismal prospect of future want, oblig'd me to keep a strict watch over the rest of the Body, least any of 'em shou'd (if able) get to it, and this being spent, we be forc'd to feed upon the living: which we must certainly have done, had we staid a few days longer.
But now the goodness of God began to appear, and make provision for our deliverance, by putting it in the hearts of the good people on Shore, where our Raft drove, to come out in search of us; which they did the 2d of January in the morning.
Just as I was creeping out of the Tent, I saw a shallop half way from shore, standing directly towards us, which may be easily imagin'd was Life from the Dead; how great our Joys and Satisfaction were, at the prospect of so speedy and unexpected deliverance, no tongue is able to express, nor thoughts to conceive.
Our good and welcome friends came to an Anchor to the South West, at about 100 Yards distance, (the Swell not suffering them to come nearer) but their anchor coming home, oblig'd them to stand off 'till about noon, waiting for smoother water upon the Flood: Mean Time our passions were differently mov'd, our Expectations of Deliverance, and fears of miscarriage, hurry'd our weak and disorder'd spirits strangely.
I give them account of our miseries in every respect, except the want of Provisions (which I did not mention, least I shou'd not get them on shore for fear of being constrain'd by the Weather to tarry with us): Earnestly entreating them to attempt our immediate deliverance; or at least (if possible) to furnish us with fire, which with the utmost hazard and difficulty they at last accomplished, by sending a small Cannoe with one Man, who with abundance of labour got on shore.
After helping him up with his Canoe, and seeing nothing to eat, I ask'd him if he cou'd give us Fire, he answer'd in the affirmative, but was so affrighted, (seeing me look so thin and meagre) that could hardly at first return me an answer: But recollecting himself, after several questions asked on both sides, he went with me to the Tent, where was surpriz'd to see so many of us in so deplorable condition.
Our flesh so wasted, and our looks so ghastly and frightful, that it was really a very dismal Prospect.