One evening, Dupper’s brother was obliged to leave his house to do some business, and some of Dupper’s family, with myself, were asked to go there to take care of it during his absence. This house was on the hills.
The next morning, I saw a vessel come round the point of the island, and soon after drop her anchor near the shore. I immediately went down to the beach, where I saw several canoes paddling off. I attempted to get into one of them, but Dupper would not let me. I tried very hard to prevail on him to let me go, but for some time he would not consent. He told me to hide myself among the trees on the hills, for he was sure the people on board the ship would kill me.
After much persuasion, upon my telling him that I did not want to leave him, but only to procure some axes and other articles, he with reluctance allowed me to get into his canoe. We then went off to the ship. I was fearful lest some misunderstanding should take place, so I asked Dupper to request silence until I had spoken with the people in the ship. The natives accordingly did not speak.
When we got within a short distance, a person hailed me, and asked what ship I came out in. I answered, “In the Charles Eaton.” He then asked me whether there were any more white people on the island? I replied, “Only a child about four or five years old.” He then told me to come along-side, which I did, and was then taken on board.
My agitation was so great, that I could scarcely answer the questions which were put to me; and it was some time before I recovered my self-possession. Captain Lewis took me down into the cabin, and gave me a shirt, a pair of trowsers, and a straw hat. He ordered some bread and cheese and beer for me; but the thoughts of again revisiting my home and friends prevented me from eating much of it.
He asked me what had become of the remaining passengers and crew. I told him, as near as I could, all that had happened; that they were all murdered, with the exception of five men who had escaped in a cutter. He then told me that his ship had been fitted out in search of us. For this kindness on the part of government, I can not enough express my sincere thanks, and my sorrow that it should meet with so small a return.
Dupper and several of the natives had come on board, and Captain Lewis told me to desire them to bring William. They said he was on the other side of the island, (this was the case,) but that they would bring him the next day. Captain Lewis then said that he would allow no trading till the child was on board. Most of the natives returned to the island in the evening; and those that remained, slept on deck, with a sail to cover them. Dupper and Oby were allowed to sleep with me.
Next day, the natives made a great many excuses against bringing William on board; they said he was crying, and would not leave the women. I told them that unless they brought him, they would not be allowed to trade. About the middle of the day he was brought. At first, he seemed frightened at the strangers, and did not like parting with his old black friends; but I did my best to pacify him, and he soon became used to the new faces.
One of the sailors made him a frock and trowsers, and another gave him a cap; he looked very curious in them, but at first they made him uncomfortable. I have the cap now in my possession.
The natives of these islands are much given to pilfering. One of them was seen taking a knife, and was immediately sent out of the ship. I saw Dupper steal a pair of compasses, but I said nothing about it to any one: I did not like to offend him.