GIFT OF 
 Prof. C. A. Kofoid 
 
■t^^&ffi** J 
 
 flMRGWJWIE 
 
 VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH SEAS, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 SHIPWRECK 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FHXBS18S W VAUI8 OTPTIft, 
 
 WITH AN ACCOUNT OF 
 
 TWO YEARS' RESIDENCE 
 OK AN UNINHABITED ISLAND, 
 
 BY CHARLES MEDYETT GOODRIDGE, 
 
 OF PAIGNTON, DEVON, ONE OF THE SURVIVORS. 
 
 PATRONIZED BY HER MAJESTY, QUEEN VICTORIA, 
 
 HER late MAJESTY 
 
 THE DOWAGER 
 
 QUEEN ADELAIDE, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 ROYAL FAMILY. 
 
 AND BY THE 
 
 PRINCIPAL 
 
 NOBILITY, GENTRY 
 
 AND 
 
 CLERGY. 
 
 
 A New Edition, with Alterations and Improvements. 
 
 ENTERED AT STATIONER'S HALL. 
 
 Exeter: Printed by W. C. Featherstone, 246, High Street, 
 and Sold by the Author, Price 2s. 6d. 
 
 , 
 
 i8*a. 
 
GS30 
 PtGL 
 
 
(COPIES.) 
 
 St. James's Palace. 
 
 February 3, 1844. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am directed by Sir Henry Wheatley to acquaint 
 you, that he has not failed to submit to the Queen your Narra- 
 tive of a Voyage to the South Seas, and of your Residence on 
 an Uninhabited Island, and that Her Majesty has been most 
 graciously pleased to accept it. 
 
 I have the Honor to be, 
 
 Sir, Your obedient Servant, 
 WILBRAHAM TAYLOR. 
 Mr. C. Medyett Goodridge. 
 
 Marlborough House, Pall Mall, 
 
 London, Aug. 26, 1847. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am commanded by Her Majesty, The Queen 
 Dowager, to inform yo?i, that Her Majesty is pleased to accept 
 the Volume of your Narrative of a Two Years' Residence on an 
 Uninhabited Island in the Southern Ocean, and I am instructed 
 to remit to you Two Pounds, which will be paid to you on ap- 
 plication to Mr. Goodwin, at Marlborough House, Pall Mall. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Your obedient Servant, 
 
 G. T. HUDSON. 
 lo Mr. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIRST EDITION. 
 
 "Whatever interest may be found in the following pages, will 
 be derived principally from a plain unvarnished tale, simply 
 told. It is not offered to the public as a work of literary refine- 
 ment, or poetical flight; as a chapter of horrors to affright the 
 timid, or a pleasing fiction to amuse the thoughtless ; but as a 
 narrative of facts. Since the adventures of Alexander 
 Selkirk, on which De Foe founded his truly moral, and deservedly 
 admired, fiction of " Robinson Crusoe," there has not been on 
 record, I believe, an instance of a period of near two years being 
 spent by any European on an Uninhabited and Desert Island. 
 This simple fact will perhaps obtain for this Narrative some in- 
 terest with the general reader. As a work of instruction, it is 
 hoped it will not be wholly destitute of merit, containing as it 
 does information relative to the natural productions of such a re- 
 mote and insulated spot. To the moralist it will afford some 
 matter for sober thought; to the believer in a wise and all-ruling 
 Power, it will give a renewed source of consolation, derived from 
 additional proofs of His Almighty care and providence : — to those 
 who advocate and lend their aid to that most valuable of institu- 
 tions, the Bible Society, it will afford an additional incentive, 
 if such were wanted, for renewed exertions for the spread of the 
 Sacred Volume, particularly among mariners— for in this Nar- 
 rative the words of Scripture were most fully verified, that such 
 * bread cast upon the waters, shall be found after many days." 
 To none, I trust, will this work be found offensive ; for where 
 praise could not brighten the page, the finger of silence has either 
 arrested the pen, or charity has blotted out the stain. In com- 
 ing before the public as an author, I am sensible I am launching 
 again on an unknown, and to me an unexplored sea— but having 
 weathered so many storms in far distant climes, I build my hopes 
 of a kind reception on that liberal character for which my native 
 ■country is famed— and which, having swelled my heart wit! 
 
pride, when dwelling at her antipodes, will, I trust, be now my 
 support, when, after all my trials, I eome to seek a repose on her 
 friendly soil. 
 
 C. M. GOODR1DGE. 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE SIXTH EDITION. 
 
 On offering a Sixth Edition of my Narrative to my Friends 
 and the Public, I must again acknowledge with heartfelt grati- 
 tude, the kind support I have experienced— a gratitude the more 
 keenly felt from the conviction that it is to their sympathy I 
 am indebted for their liberality, rather than to any merit in my 
 simple story. By many gentlemen, however, connected with the 
 Bible Society, my publication has been considered useful, as ad- 
 vocating the extension of its invaluable labours, and this, with the 
 knowledge (communicated to me by one of the most active 
 Agents of the Bible Society) that its perusal has been the hum- 
 ble means of establishing Scripture truths, now cheers me on my 
 way ; and that its usefulness may be increased, more particularly 
 among those who go on the great deep, is the sincere wish of 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
 And to those, he would point out with affectionate solicitude 
 the following beautiful portion of Scripture : 
 
 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in 
 great waters ; 
 
 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. 
 
 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lift- 
 eth up the waves thereof. 
 
 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the 
 depths : their soul is melted because of trouble. 
 
 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are 
 ~*at their wit's end. 
 
 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth 
 them out of their distresses. 
 
 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are 
 still. 
 
 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth thenv 
 unto tbeir desired haven. 
 
 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for 
 his wondeiful works to the children of men ! 
 
 Psalm 107, verses 23 to 31. 
 
NEW PREFACE. 
 
 On offering a new edition of my little work, I beg to return 
 my grateful acknowledgments to those very numerous friends who 
 have purchased and recommended my book. It is now 14 years 
 since I began personally to solicit the public, and in very few in- 
 stances have I received any thing but a kind consideration, from 
 every class on whom I have called 5 in some rare cases, I have 
 been harshly spoken to, but I believe this has been occasioned by 
 the many frauds that have been, and are continually, practised to 
 excite the commisseration of the benevolent. I have at all times 
 courted the most searching inquiry into the authenticity of my 
 story, and in no instance has the slightest deviation from truth 
 been discovered. To the ladies I am especially indebted — many 
 of whom have kindly taken numerous copies and disposed of them 
 among their relatives and friends. To the Public Press I am also 
 indebted. — In the recommendation of my work, the Editors have 
 universally drawn attention to the merits, and have been blind 
 to the faults of its contents ; and I most gratefully acknowledge 
 their kind assistance in increasing its sale. 
 
 As my entire future dependance, as well for myself as for an 
 afflicted wife, who for above three years has laboured under a 
 mental aberration arising from debility of the nerves, rests on a 
 continued favorable reception of my narrative, I trust this will be 
 a sufficient excuse for my continuing to extend its sale, although 
 it has already gone through so many editions. 
 
 In former editions I have given a list of my numerous subscri- 
 bers, but many friends having advised me to substitute any inter- 
 esting details I could remember, — I have done so, and have now, 
 with a few exceptions, only inserted the names of the nobility and 
 clergy who have patronised my work. 
 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 
 From fVoolmer's Exeter Gaze tie. 
 
 This narrative reminds us forcibly of the adventures of Robin- 
 son Crusoe, and bears more the stamp of verity than any other 
 work of the kind we have read. 
 
 From the Exeter Western Tim^s. 
 
 The narrative is the unvarnished tale of a pure Devonshire 
 Seaman, and told with a spirit and energy that could only be felt 
 by one who had experienced what he recounted. 
 
 From the Exeter Flying Post, 
 
 The writer of this narrative appears to have a mind rightly at- 
 tuned — to be a thoughtful and reflecting man — in all cases putting 
 his trust in God, and becoming the more satisfied that his ways 
 are right, the more deeply he was schooled in adversity. 
 
 From the Exeter fVestern Lvminary. 
 
 Every page shows traces of a thoughful and pious mind, which 
 has proficed from adversity. 
 
 From the Plymouth Journal. 
 
 The writer has detailed in a most simple, truthful and therefore 
 fascinating way, the narrative of his long sojourn (with others of 
 his shipwrecked companions) on one of the Crozet Islands in the 
 South Seas. If we opened the volume under an impulse of mis- 
 trust, we proceeded to read it with an ever-increasing interest; 
 and we can cordially recommend it to the perusal of all who can 
 appreciate the romance of truth, and the simplicity of genuine 
 piety. 
 
 From the P'y nouth Herald. 
 
 The whole story bears internal evidence of fidelity. Its diction 
 is essentially good. It is equally honourable to the writer's head 
 and heart, and is calculated to enhance our knowledge, improve 
 our morals, and stimulate our religious faith. 
 
 From, (he Devonport Independent. 
 
 The detail is as interesting an instance of the power which man 
 possesses of adapting himself to almost any circumstances, as we 
 ever remember to have read; and the book bears on every page, 
 in the unaffected and strait-forward manner in which it is written, 
 and internal evidence that its statements are trustworthy. 
 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 ' The Royal Cornwall Gazette, 
 
 After speaking of the narrative in detail, says " for much other 
 matter of deeper interest, we must refer to the book itself, which 
 should be bought and read by all to whom it is offered." 
 
 From the West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser. 
 Our dislike to itinerant vendors of their own writings induced 
 us to take up this small volume, under the influence of no very 
 sanguine feelings that we should peruse it to the end, but the nar- 
 rative bears so much of the stamp of truth, that we went through 
 it with increasing interest to the close. 
 
 From the Falmouth Packet. 
 
 We assure our readers that if they can spare three shillings for 
 a copy of this book, they will be rendering a service to a man who 
 has endured a much greater portion of the " ills that flesh is heir 
 to" than falls to men in general, and who seems worthy of the 
 sympathy and assistance of those whom Providence has blessed 
 with the means of relieving their distressed and unfortunate fel- 
 lows. 
 
 From the Penzance Gazette. 
 
 The hardships of the sufferers are related in an unaffected man- 
 ner, and the recital cannot be read without producing much sym- 
 pathy, with admiration of their manly fortitude and resignation. 
 
 From the North Devon Advertiser. 
 
 This little volume is full of interesting details, and the circum^ 
 stances related so natural, that it affords us great pleasure in re- 
 commending it to the public. 
 
 From the Taunton Courier. 
 
 Its well attested authenticity, and the peculiar character of its 
 details, render it interesting, and few persons can resist the oppor- 
 tunity of contributing to the pecuniary resources of its applicant, 
 From the Somerset County Gazette. 
 
 Its manner reminds us forcibly of that which has made Robin- 
 son Crusoe immortal ; every thing is related just as if the narrator 
 were speaking instead of writing. The adventures here recorded 
 are most extraordinary, and well worthy of preservation among 
 the nautical literature of Great Britain. We cordially recommend 
 it on its merits, to the perusal of our readers, and for the writer's 
 sake we hope their charity will induce them to purchase it. 
 From the Sherborne ami Yeovil Mercury. 
 
 Mr. Goodridge's Narrative of his Shipwreck and sufferings, 
 cannot but excite a deep sympathy in every humane heart. Jt is 
 a simple tale of truth, but it describes so many extraordinary inci- 
 dents and circumstances as produce in it the liveliest interest for 
 the safety and fortunes of the Author, 
 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 From the Bath Herald, 
 
 The testimonials to the truth of this narrative, which, with all 
 its simplicity of style, is exceedingly interesting, preclude all doubt 
 or scepticism, while the published list of patrons and subscribers 
 equally attests the respectability of the Author. 
 
 From the Bath and Cheltenham Gazette. 
 
 The book is written with a delightful simplicity, and reminds 
 the reader of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe. It is a simple 
 tale of truth, but describes so many extraordinary incidents and 
 circumstances as to produce a lively interest for the safety and 
 fortunes of the Author ; and we can safely recommend it to the 
 sanction of every family, as tending to advance the best interests 
 of Christianity, for it shews an implicit reliance under every ex- 
 tremity on the superintending care of the Divine Providence. 
 
 From the Baih Chronicte. 
 
 We have been much pleased with a little volume which has 
 fallen into our hands, entitled, " Narrative of a Voyage to the 
 South Seas, and the Shipwreck of the Princess of Wales Cutter." 
 The book is well worthy of public patronage, which we hope it 
 will obtain. 
 
 From the Bath Journal, 
 
 " Narrative of a voyage to the South Seas, and the Shipwreck 
 of the Princess of IV ales Cutter, by C. M. Goodridge." — Under 
 this title the literary world is presented with a veritable Robinson 
 Crusoe. Truth, with the interest of fiction, must be acceptable 
 to eli. 
 
 From the Bristol Mercury. 
 
 A plain unvarnished tale of hardships endured, and difficulties 
 
 overcome. The work is replete with that kind of interest which 
 
 ever attaches to records of human suffering, and to narrations of 
 
 the manner in which men act in strange and perilous situations. 
 
 From the Bristol Mirror, 
 The book is valuable on many accounts; and not the least, that 
 it proves the power of well-directed minds to bear up against evils 
 and privations of the greatest magnitude with fortitude and resig- 
 nation. 
 
 From Felix Farley's Bristol Journal. 
 That " truth is often more marvellous than fiction," is a truism 
 now threadbare, of which we have here confirmation. The enthu- 
 siasm with which we read Robinson Crusoe is here revived with 
 the enhancement that the events are real. 
 
 From the Gloucestershire Chronicle, 
 The singularity of the author's adventures, his sufferings, and 
 his good character, will no doubt materially assist him in the sale 
 of his work, 
 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 From the Gloucester Journal, 
 
 After reading the book and making enquiries, we believe the 
 writer, in his plain unvarnished tale of moving incidents by flood 
 and field, has told nothing but the truth. 
 
 From the Cheltenham Journal. 
 This is no fiction, although its details rival the Adventures of 
 Robinson Crusoe. The narrative is written in a plain Christian 
 spirit, and is exceedingly interesting, while the spirit of piety that 
 runs through it, gives it an additional charm. 
 
 From the Cheltenham Examiner. 
 
 We know the circumstances to be correct, being well acquainted 
 with another of the survivors (Veale) who now commands a ship 
 trading between London and Australia. 
 
 From the Cheltenham Chronicle. 
 
 We have perused this narrative with all the interest we remem- 
 ber to have felt in our boyish days, when reading the Adventures 
 of Robinson Crusoe; but there is this difference — De Foe's work, 
 although written with great talent, was mere fiction, while this 
 bears the stamp and impress of truth. 
 
 From the Worcester Journal* 
 
 A Modern Robinson Crusoe. — We had an opportunity of 
 reading a narrative of a Two Years' Residence on an Uninhabited 
 Island in the South Seas, by Charles Medyett Goodridge, and can 
 cordially recommand it as highly interesting. 
 
 From the Worcestershire Guardian. 
 
 A second Alexander Selkirk.— The Author's Narrative is simply 
 and affectingly told, and its apparent truthfulness makes amends 
 for the want of polished language and elegant diction. 
 
 From the Worcestershire Chronicle. 
 While children of a larger growth may read the work with 
 pleasure and profit, our young friends will read it with delight ; 
 and while it contains nothing calculated to offend the most fas- 
 tidious, there is a vein of pious resignation throughout the narra- 
 tive, which gives it a peculiar charm. 
 
 From the Dover Chronicle, 
 
 Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas, &c. by C. M. 
 Goodridge. We have perused this entertaining volume, with 
 almost as much interest as we did the adventures of Robinson 
 Crusoe. It is, in every sense, a plain unvarnished tale of moving 
 accidents by flood and field. That the Narrative of Mr. Goodridge 
 is a true one, there is ample internal evidence in the book itself, 
 independant of its being authenticated by the certificates of other 
 parties, and it furnishes besides another proof, that facts are 
 oftentimes more wonderful than fiction. 
 
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 From the Dover Telegraph. 
 
 Goodridge's Narrative. — We have been favoured by the 
 author, who is now staying in Dover, with a copy of this interest- 
 ing little story of his adventures during a residence of two years 
 upon an uninhabited island. In point of interest it is nearly 
 equal to that well known work Robinson Crusoe, whilst we read 
 it with so much more zest from the knowledge that this is a his- 
 tory of facts, whilst the other is but an ingenious work of fiction. 
 This little work contains much information relative to our colony 
 of Van Dieman's Land, statistical and otherwise, which is both 
 useful and interesting. 
 
 From the Kentish Observer at Canterbury, 
 
 It is really a book of much entertainment, and appears to be 
 written with a strict regard to truth. 
 
 From the Kentuh Gazette at Canterbury. 
 
 A Second Robinson Crusoe— Narrative of a Voyage to 
 the South Seas. — The story is related with great simplicity, and 
 bears upon it the impress of truth. The incidents and hair 
 breadth escapes are extraordinary, and calculated to produce the 
 most lively interest in the mind of the general reader. 
 
 From the Rochester Gazette* 
 
 An extremely interesting narrative told in such simple and un- 
 affected language, that we can no more doubt the author's vera- 
 city than we can that he is a truly pious and reflective man, one 
 who places implicit reliance on the Divine protection, and sees, 
 even amid the trials and difficulties to which he has been exposed, 
 many causes for thankfulness of heart. 
 
 From the Kentish Independant at Gravesend. 
 
 The perils and dangers to which the author was exposed, are 
 calculated to produce an exciting interest in the mind of the 
 reader, and we earnestly recommend our friends to purchase the 
 work. That the Narrative of Mr. Goodridge is true there is 
 ample internal evidence in the book itself, independant of its been 
 authenticated by the certificates of other parties, and it furnishes 
 a proof that facts are oftentimes more wonderful than fiction. 
 From the West Kent Guardian at Greenwich* 
 
 Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas. — The author 
 of this Narrative is a second Alexander Selkirk, a real Robinson 
 Crusoe, and his book is written with so manifest an adherence 
 to facts, in so plain, homely, and appropriate a style, and in so 
 sound and cheerful a spirit, that it is sure to be read with con- 
 siderable interest. 
 
 From the Ipswich Express. 
 
 Singular Adventures. — The Adventures of a second Robin- 
 son Crusoe, in the person of Charles Goodridge, who has family 
 connections in Colchester, have just been published, and present 
 
OYfc of the most singular narratives ever recorded. The truth of 
 the narrative is well attested, and is altogether one of the most 
 singular and romantic we have ever met with. 
 
 The day following, Wednesday, March 5th, 1845, a copy of a 
 long critique, from which the above is an extract, appeared in the 
 Daily Times, and also in the Morning Advertiser and others of 
 the leading Journals of the Metropolis. 
 
 From the Brighton Herald. 
 
 The editor, after pointing out the similarity of feelings elicited 
 by those so ably pourtrayed in De Foe's beautiful fiction of 
 Robinson Crusoe, adds, that there will, in accounts of Shipwrecks, 
 w be always new circumstances, bringing out new situations, and 
 new trials of character; and in this case, these give a perfectly 
 new and original character to the narrative, and stamp it as a 
 genuine and most interesting piece of biography." 
 
 From the Hastings and St, Leonard's News. 
 
 This " round unvarnished tale" of " moving accidents by flood 
 and field" has already been favorably reviewed by a great portion 
 of the public press, and received the patronage of royalty and 
 nobility. We see no reason to deviate from the beaten track of 
 praise in respect of the unpretending volume; we have not only 
 been interested in the events so graphically sketched in its pages, 
 but at the same time gratified by the pious spirit which animates 
 the writer. 
 
 From the Oxford Journal of Sat. June 15, J 850. 
 
 In the perusal of this unpretending but interesting narrative, 
 the reader will be introduced to a second Robinson Crusoe. He 
 has undergone more of the dangers and vicissitudes attendant 
 upon the life of a sailor than usually falls to the lot of that class, 
 and now lives by the sale of his book, which we cordially recom- 
 mend to our readers, not only for its interesting contents, but for 
 the sake of the author himself, of whose character we have high 
 testimony. 
 
 From the Reading Mercury of Saturday Jany. 12, 1850. 
 
 Goodridge's Shipwreck Narrative. — A very entertaining 
 and at the same time edifying little work. To the young reader 
 this book will be most acceptable. 
 
 From the Hampshire Independent of Saturday, April 28, 1849; 
 
 Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas, &c, by Charles M. 
 Goodridge. Somehow or other human nature has always delight- 
 ed to picture to itself a being dwelling in perfect isolation from 
 all human kind, one who possessing few or none of these neces- 
 saries which the members of society prepare for one another, is 
 compelled by some fortuitous course of circumstances to eke out 
 life, as best he may, gathering his own subsistence, manufactuiing 
 his own utensils, and dwelling in a solitude undisturbed by the 
 cares, although solaced by none of the comforts of civilized and 
 busy life. What dreaming boy, who in reading it has not longed 
 o share the solitary hut of the unfortunate Crusoe. 
 A second Crusoe will never again exist, science has made such 
 
 a 
 
discoveries that perhaps there remains no undiscovered island, at 
 least in the temperate and equatorial regions where one could 
 pine in solitude for such a period as was his doom, yet in the 
 narrative furnished us by Mr. Goodridge we find himself and 
 fourteen others located for a year and ten months on one of a 
 group of Islands in the Southern Ocean, called the Crozettesj and 
 as the interest which has been excited by this narrative can be 
 fully borne out by testimonials of the most satisfactory character, 
 we hope that this little volume will meet with that patronage 
 which it deserves. 
 
 From the Berkshire Chronicle of Sat, Feb. 9M, 1850. 
 
 Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas, &c, by C. M. 
 Goodridge, of Paignton, Devon. — This is the interesting and un- 
 pretending narrative of one who has gone through all the vicissi- 
 tudes of a sea-faring life. The narrative has gone through several 
 editions, and being written in a natural and unaffected style, with 
 every indication of a religious and well-disciplined mind, it will 
 please all classes of readers. 
 
 From the Hampshire Advertiser of Saturday, July 28, 1849. 
 
 Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas, &c. by Chas. Medyett 
 Goodridge, one of the Survivors. It is impossible to divest one's 
 mind of Robinson Crusoe and his inimitable history by De Foe, 
 whilst perusing the pages of Mr. Goodridge, who gives us the 
 narrative of a pure Devonshire seaman. Certainly he tells his 
 story with a spirit and energy that could only be felt by one who 
 had experienced what he recounted. The whole story bears in- 
 ternal evidence of fidelity, and the diction is good. It is now on 
 the sale of this little work, to the genuineness of which numerous 
 highly respectable persons bear testimony, that he depends for a 
 subsistence. 
 
 The following is a copy of the Author** certificate from the 
 Vicar and Churchwardens of the Parish of Paignton, Devon. The 
 original he wi 1 1 produce , if required ', on his catling for an answer 
 
 " I hereby certify that the bearer, Mr. Charles Medyett Good- 
 ridge, the Author of the Narrative of a Voyage to the South Seas 
 and the Shipwreck of the Princess of Wales Cutter, is a respecta- 
 ble Inhabitant of the Parish of Paignton, and worthy of the patro- 
 nage of the Public. 
 
 Paignton, July 18, 1837. R. GEE, Vicar of Paignton. 
 
 We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the above Certifi- 
 cate of the Rev. Mr. Gee, is true and correct in every respect. 
 
 HENRY BROWSE, 1 Churchwardens 
 
 GABRIEL HANNAFORD, J Churchwardens. 
 
 J. H. RHODES, Capt. R.N., Bishopsteignton. 
 Recommended, and certified also by 
 J. A. Parlby, Esq. Paignton, Magistrate of Devon; and 
 The late Rev. S. Courtenay, Rowe Street, Plymouth. 
 
 Having perused the Narrative of Mr. C. M. Goodridge, I hereby 
 certify, that on the 11th of July, 1823, a small sloop, called "The 
 Success," arrived at Hobart Town during my stay at that place 
 
and that the circumstance occasioned considerable interest at the 
 time, on account of the smallness of her size, and the inclemency 
 of the weather to which she had been subjected, it then being 
 winter. 
 
 Pilton, May 26, 1840. JAMES WOODHOUSE. 
 
 I have read Mr. Charles Medyett Goodridge's publication, and 
 having had a long conversation with him, can vouch for the au- 
 thenticity of his narrative, having been myself on a voyage of dis- 
 covery round the world— and when a boy at Dartmouth knew his 
 relations as school fellows. 
 25, Cobourg-street, Plymouth, John Cawlet. 
 
 1st June, 1838. Capt. R. N. 
 
 I have read the narrative of C. M. Goodridge, which is very in- 
 teresting, and bears the evidence of authenticity. 
 
 Edwin O'Trkgelles, of the Society of Friends. 
 Torquay, 23rd 3rd month, 1838. 
 
 Sib, 
 
 I have much pleasure in recommending your interesting 
 Narrative; it is a simple and unvarnished tale; truth appears 
 conspicuous, and it evinces a well-regulated mind and indefatigable 
 industry. As history, it demands considerable attention, giving, 
 as it does, a lucid account of the places you have visited. 
 
 May 12th, 1841. W. P. Good. 
 
 Having questioned the Author, and having been on a voyage of 
 discovery to the South Seas, I find the Author correct in his 
 statements. 
 
 Dec. 23, 1840. John Allen, Engineer, Glastonbury. 
 
 Certificate qf Miss E. Serjeant , Bath, March 8, 1842. 
 
 Having read the Narrative of Mr. Goodridge, left on the 5th 
 instant, at my Residence, No. 8, Walcot Terrace, it has afforded 
 me much entertainment and information— as well as gratification, 
 in perceiving a sentiment of piety, and grateful acknowledgment, 
 for many instances of signal deliverance. 
 
 E. SERJEANT. 
 Sir, 
 Upon your work being left at my house, as a somewhat nautical 
 sort of a man, I was induced to give it an attentive perusal, and 
 must candidly declare, I consider the same to be given in a very 
 able plain- sailing sort of a manner, and verily believe from my 
 own past experience, together with its being so well authenticated 
 and generally countenanced, that the same is a just and true 
 Narrative, and as such recommend it to the perusal of an en- 
 lightened British Public, renowned for its well known philan- 
 thropy, alas too often gained upon deception, but conscientiously 
 consider none is attempted here. 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY FOYVLES, 
 
 Late of the Royal Navy. 
 "Wells, Somerset, 
 2nd Feb. 1841. 
 
 Dover, January 4, 1844. 
 Frederick Dyer, has felt much gratification from the perusal of 
 
Mr. Goodridge's Narrative,— he can confidently recommend it as 
 a work full of interest. To Children, the Narrative will confer a 
 similar delight to what is felt by them on a perusal of that popu- 
 lar book, Robinson Crusoe, and their pleasure will be increased 
 by a knowledge of the fact, that the Traveller is alive and sells 
 his own book. 
 
 The following is a Copy of a Certificate which the Author has 
 been very kindly favoured with, by Robert Brooks, Esq., one oj 
 the Owners of the Princess of Abates. 
 
 " I certify that Charles Medyett Goodridge, was a Seaman of 
 the Cuter Princess of Wales, and the Narrative published by him 
 of the Wreck of that Vessel is in every respect strictly true." 
 ROBERT BROOKS, Owner, 
 
 St. Peter's Chamber, Cornhill, 
 August 2nd, 1843. Formerly of 80, Old Broad Street. 
 
 I have read Mr. Goodridge's Narrative with very great interest 
 and strongly recommend it for its instructive character and moral 
 tendency. 
 
 June 3, 1850. CHARLES TOMKINS, M D. 
 
 Abingdon. 
 
 I have examined the Narrative of a voyage to the South Seas 
 and I feel bound to say that the work is written in an engaging 
 style ; and what I have most of all to commend is, the sincere 
 and trustful gratitude in a divine Providence, which is evident 
 throughout ; the author has undergone more than a human share 
 of evil, and has met it with piety, energy, and cheerfulness. 
 
 Worcester College, Oxford, Wm. HENRY MAVOR. 
 
 Aug. 2, 185 >. 
 
 The Rev. Francis Trench, Minister of St. Johns, Reading, has 
 felt it a kind act to one who deserves to be encouraged, to say that 
 he has received an excellent recommendation of Mr Goodridge, 
 that he has been much pleased with what he has seen of his 
 Christian character, aud that he has read his small work with 
 much interest, as well as with the feeling that the testimonies to 
 the value of God's word contained in that singular narrative can- 
 not prove otherwise than useful, and that he has felt pleasure in 
 forwarding its circulation in this Town. — The Rev F T. seldom 
 gives recommendations of this kind, but has much pleasure in 
 dpingso in the present instance.— -Reading, March 23, 1850. 
 
The following is a List of the names of Ladies and 
 Gentlemen who, at the places the Author has visited, 
 have patronized and subscribed to the former Editions. 
 Those marked with a * are of the Society of Friends 
 
 * Abbot, S esq, Wadebridge 
 Abrahall, rev J H, Bruton 
 Abinger, Rt Hon Lord 
 Adams, Sir Geo, Bt 
 Addington, Hon Miss, London 
 Addison, rev J, Weymouth 
 Agar, Hon A M, Bodmin 
 *Aggs, H esq, Dorchester 
 Ailsa, The Most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Akers, J esq M P, London 
 *Albright, Miss H. Charlbury 
 ^Albright, Mr Wm gent, do 
 *Albright, Mr N gent, do 
 Alcock, rev J P, Rochester 
 Aldam, Wm esq, M P, London 
 Alford, Rt. Hon Viscount, M P 
 Anglesey, the most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Anson, Genl Sir Wm 
 Anstie, rev P, Exeter 
 Antrim, Counts, of, St Leonards 
 Appleby, rev Mr, St Ives 
 Appleyard, rev E S London 
 Arbuthnot, E esq, J P, Newbury 
 Arbuthnot, Lady, Cheltenham 
 Arundle, W A H esq, J P, Lifton 
 Arundel and Surrey, Rt hon 
 
 Earl of 
 Arundel, Hon Mrs R, Weymth. 
 Ashburnham, Counts. Dwgr. of 
 Ash, R esq, J P, Bristol 
 Ashley, Rt Hon Lord, M P 
 Ashtown, Lady, Bath 
 Atkinson, rev Thos, Exeter 
 Audry, rev J, Bath 
 Aurio, rev Edwd, London 
 Austin, rev W, Southampton 
 Avery, rev J, Lostwithiel 
 Aylmer, Rt Hon Lord 
 Babb, rev T, Sherborne 
 Bacon, Mrs T, London, 5 copies 
 Bacon, J esq, Exeter 
 Bagshawe, Lady, Bath 
 
 Bailey, Jos esq, M P 
 
 Baines, Rt Rev P A, late Lord 
 
 Catholick Bishop of Bath 
 Baker, Sir G Bart 
 Ball, Sir W Bart, London 
 Balfour, rev J, Cheltenham 
 Bannard, ev S E, Torquay 
 Band, Rev C, Honiton 
 Bankes, Geo esq, M P 
 Baring, Sir T Bart 
 Barnard, Genl Sir A F 
 Barnes, rev — Okehampton 
 Barker, Rev W, St Mary Ch 
 Barter, rev R S, Winchester 
 *Bass, Isaac esq, Brighton, 3 co 
 Basket, rev J, Wimborne 
 Bathurst, Hon W Lex, London 
 Bathurst, Hon Mrs, do 
 Batten, ev H, Penzance 
 Bayley, rev F T, Gloucester 
 Baynard, J esq, by an order from 
 Truro at different times 17 co 
 Beaufort, the most noble His 
 
 Grace the Duke of 
 Beauvale, Rt Hon Lord 
 Beauclerk, Adml Ld Amelius 
 Beckett, W esq, M P, London 
 Beatson, rev A, Canterbury 
 Bedford, the Most Noble His 
 
 Grace the Duke of 
 Belfield, rev F, Paignton 
 Bellamy, revR, Blandford 
 Benthall, rev J, London 
 Bennett, rev H, Lyme 
 Berens, Ven Archdn, Teignmo 
 Bernard, Lady Ann, Chelten- 
 ham, 2 copies 
 Berresford, Rt Hon Viscount 
 Beverley, Rt Hon Earl of 
 Bexley, Rt Hon Lord 
 Bickerton, Lady Hussey, Bath 
 Birt, Rev Jno D D, Faversham 
 Birt, Rev J Jun, do 
 Blackburne, rev G, Bristol 
 
Blencowe, rev — , Sidmouth 
 Bloomfield, Lady, Woolwich 
 Blomefield, rev TEW, Win- 
 chester, 2 copies 
 Bollingbroke, Lady, Torquay 
 Bond, rev H, South Petherton 
 Boughton, Lady, Brighton 
 Borthwick, P esq, M P 
 Bounsall, rev J, Ottery St My 
 Bowles, Hon Mrs, Leamington 
 Bower, rev J, Lostwithiel 
 Bowell, rev J H C, Plymouth 
 Bowring, Jno esq L LD, M P, 3 
 
 copies 
 Boyle, Adml, The Hon Sir C 
 Braham, rev Spencer, Cantrbry 
 Brandram, rev Mr, Weymouth 
 Braund, rev W H, Martock 
 Bray, rev Mr, Tavistock 
 Breadalbane, The Most Noble 
 
 The Marquis of 
 Bricknell, rev W S, Ensham, 
 
 Oxon 
 Bright, Jno esq, M P 
 Bristol, The Most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Bristow, the rev Mr, Exeter 
 Broderick, Hon Mrs, London 
 Brooks, Rt esq, London 
 Brooke, rev Capel, Margate 
 Brooking, rev N, St Mary Ch 
 Bromby, rev J, Bristol 
 Browne, rev J, Cheltenham 
 Brown, rev Jas, Twyford, near 
 
 Winchester 
 Browse, Miss, Paignton 
 Browse, Mr Geo, Yeoman, do 
 Browse, A Senr, esq, do 
 Browse, Mr A Junr, do 
 Browse, H esq do 
 Browse, N esq do 
 Bryers, rev Edwd, Dorchester 
 Brymer, Ven Archdeacon, Bath 
 Buchan, Gen Sir J, St Leonards 
 Buckle, Rear Adml M, Bath 
 Buccleuch, The Most Noble the 
 
 Duke of 
 Buck, L W esq, M P 
 Buckley, rev J, Exeter 
 Buckinghamshire, CntssDwgrof 
 Bullen, Vice Adml J, Bath 
 Buller, Sir J B Y bart, MP 2 cop 
 Buller, Lady, Gloucester Gate, 
 
 Regent Park, London 
 
 Buller, rev Arthur, Leamington 
 Burgman, Lady, Exmouth 
 Burrell, Sir Chas M bart, M P 
 Burrell, rev J, Cheltenham 
 Burridge, rev Wm, Taunton 
 Burridge, rev T W, Newbury 
 Burton, rev R C, Minister of 
 
 Chr Ch Old Kent Road, Lond. 
 Burton, Sir R D bart, Margate 
 Burney, rev H, Frome 
 Butt, rev E, Wimborne 
 Butler, hon Sir E bart, 
 Cabbie, rev J, Taunton 
 Calthorpe, right hon Lord 
 Campbell, Sir H P H bart, M P 
 Campbell, Sir J N R, K C H 
 Canning, right hon Viscount 
 Capper, R esq J P, Cheltenham, 
 
 3 copies 
 Carrington, rt hon Lady Dowgr 
 Carlson, rev G W, London 
 Carlyon, rev J, Padstow 
 Carlyon, rev P, St Maughan 
 Carroll, rev Chas, Margate 
 Cartwright, rev J, Plymouth 
 Cator, Lady Louisa, London 
 Carter, rev T T, Cerne 
 Cawley, Capt J, R N, Plymouth 
 Cholmondeley, The Most Noble 
 
 the Marquis of, by Lady Rt 
 
 Seymour, 4 copies 
 Chanter, rev J M, Ilfracombe 
 Chanter, rev J M, Ilfracombe 
 Chapman, rev Thos, Blackheath 
 Charleville, Dowgr Countess of 
 Chatteris, W esq J P, Newbury 
 Chichester, Dowgr ( ountess of 
 Childers, J W esq M P, London 
 Churches, Mr Jas junr, Godney* 
 
 Somerset 
 Churchhill, rev W R, Dorchester 
 Churchill, right hon Dowager 
 
 Lady, Charlbury 
 Clack, rev Mr, Moreton 
 Clan ricarde, The Most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Clarendon, right hon the Earl of 
 Clarke, rev E, Truro 
 Clarke, G R esq, London . 
 Clayton, Sir Wm R, bart 
 Clayton, rev Chas, Rochester 
 Clayton, rev — , London 
 Clements, Lady Elizabeth, do 
 Clerk, right hon Sir G bart, M F 
 
Cleveland, The Most Noble Her 
 Grace the Dowagr Duchess of 
 Clifford, Capt Sir A bart, R N 
 Clinton, rt hon Lord T P London 
 Clive, Edwd B esq, M P 
 Clonmell, Dowager Countess of 
 Close, rev Fras, Cheltenham 
 Coats, rev R P, Rochester 
 Cobb, rev W F, Margate, 2 cop 
 Cobham, rev J B, Glastonbury 
 Cockburn, Sir W S R bart, Bath 
 Cockerell, hon Lady, London 
 Cocks, hon & rev J S, Worcestr 
 Codrington, rev — , Bridgewater 
 Coham, rev W B, Exmouth 
 Coghill, Lady, Cheltenham 
 Colborne, right hon Lord 
 Colchester, right hon Lord 
 Colebrook, Sir T E bart, M P 
 Coleridge, rev G, St Mary Ch 
 Coleridge, hon Mr Justice 
 Coleridge, rev E E, Honiton 
 Coleridge, rev D, Helstone 
 Collier, Capt Sir F A, late Su- 
 perintendent of H M D Yard, 
 "Woolwich 
 Colquhoun, Lady, Basingstoke 
 Colville, rev J, Worcester 
 Collyns, rev J M, Exeter 
 Congleton, Lady, Brighton 
 Conway, rev W, Rochester, 2 cop 
 Conybeare, rev W D, Axminster 
 Cooke, revT, Hrighton 
 Coombes, rev W H, Catholick 
 
 Minister, Shepton Mallet 
 Coope, rev W J, Falmouth 
 Cooper, rev Jas, Plymouth 
 Cooper, Lady, Penzance 
 Coppard, rev Mr, Plymouth 
 Cope, rev R, L L D, Penryn 
 Coplestone, rev E R, Exeter 
 Coplestone, rev J G, Honiton 
 Coplestone, rev R E, Dawlish 
 Cork, right hon Earl of, 2 copies 
 Cornish, rev G J, Truro 
 Cornwall, hon Mrs, London 
 Cotterill, rev H, Brighton 
 Cottle, rev J, Taunton 
 Coulthard, Thos esq, Wells 
 Courtenay, right hon Lord, M P 
 
 2 copies 
 Courtney, rev Septimus, Plymth 
 Coventry, hon Jno, London 
 Cox, rev J C, Glastonbury 
 
 Cox, Mr Jno, London, 2 copies 
 Crabb, rev Jas, Southampton 
 Craig, rev Jno, Leamington 
 Cranstoun, hon C F, Salterton 
 Cresswell, hon Mr Justice 
 Cress well, rev H, Canterbury 
 Cropper, rev J, A M, Exeter 
 Crosthwaite, rev B, Wellington 
 Crotch, rev W R, Taunton 
 C rowdy, rev A, Winchester 
 Crumpton, Sir S, bart, Dover 
 Cubitt, rev G J, Winchester 
 Curteis, Jno Geo esq, London 
 Curtis, Lady, Ramsgate 
 Curtois, rev R G, D D, Roches 
 Curzon, hon Miss, London, 2 co 
 Cust, hon Capt, C H 
 Dallas, Genl, Exmouth, Govrof 
 
 St Helena in 1831 
 Dalhousie, right hon the Earl of 
 Dairy mple, Sir Adolphus, bart, 
 Dalton, rev Jas, Margate 
 Dalton, rev Geo Wm, Bicester 
 Dance, Sir C bart, Taunton 
 Dansey, rev Wm, Shaftesbury 
 Darling, Gen Sir R bt, Brighton 
 Dartmouth, right hon Earl of 
 Dashwood, the late Admiral Sir 
 
 Chas bart, Torquay 
 Davidson, rev J, Sidmouth 
 Davie, Sir H P, bart, Crediton 
 Davies, rev W I , Southampton 
 Davis, rev S, Stratton 
 Davis, rev J, Cerne 
 Davis, rev G D, do 
 Davis, rev Jno, Worcester 
 Daubeny, rev A, Cheltenham 
 Davonport, Adml Sir S, do 
 Deans, rev J, Crediton 
 De Chair, rev — , Dover 
 D Eeste, Sir Augustus, London 
 De Freyne, rt hon Lord, London 
 Denbigh, right hon Earl of 
 De Rehausen, His Ex Baron 
 
 Swedish Charge d' Affairs 
 Despard, rev J P, Bristol 
 De Visme, rev J E, Bath 
 Dick, Lady, Bath 
 Digby, Lady Theresa, Cerne 
 Digby, rev W, Worcester, 2 cop 
 Dixon, Sir David, Plymouth 
 Downes, rev R, Shaftesbury 
 Dormer, rt hon Lord, Leamingtn 
 Dover, Lady, London 
 
Doyle, Lady, Margate 
 Doyle, Sir Fras H bart, London 
 *Driver, R esq, Shirley 
 Drummond, rev A, Woolwich 
 Duckworth, the late Lady, Tops 
 Ducie, Cntess of, by Mrs H Gray 
 Buncombe, hon Cap A, RN, M P 
 Dunning, rev R, Plymouth 
 Dunmore, ft hon Cntess of, Lon 
 Duntze, Lady, Bath 
 Durant, rev Thos, Poole 
 Durham, rt rev the Lord Bp of 
 Durlen, rev Mr, St Maugan 
 Dusautoy, rev WSO, Frome 
 Dyrnoke, hon Mrs, London 
 East, Rev. J, Bath 
 Edgell, Rev E, Frome 
 Edwards, rev H H, London 
 Effingham, rt hon Earl of 
 Eglinton, rt hon Earl of 
 Ekins, Adml Sir C, bart 
 Ellesmere, rt hon Earl of 
 Elford, Lady, Totnes 
 Ellice, Genl R London 2 copies 
 Elliott, Lady Caroline, London 
 Elliott, Sir W, K C B, Plymth. 
 Elliott, rev E B, Torquay 
 Ellis, Wynn esq, M P 
 Ellis, Col Chas, Bath, 3 copies 
 Ely, the right rev the Lord 
 
 Bishop of 
 Estridge, rev Mr, Worthing 
 Evans, rev C, of Blackwell, 
 
 Derbyshire, 6 copies 
 Emerson, rev C L, Bath 
 Emmett, rev W J, Leamington 
 Ethelstone, rev C, Lyme 
 Ewart, W esq, M P 
 Exeter, the very rev the Dean of 
 Faithful, — esq, Mayor of Win- 
 chester, in 1850 
 Falmouth, the late rt hon Earl 
 
 of, Truro 
 Fane, Lady Georgiana, London 
 Fane, Adml, Bath 
 Farquharson, J J jun, J P, Cerne 
 Farwell, rev Mr, Morval 
 Fayle, rev Mr, Torquay 
 Feilding, rev H, Canterbury 
 Fellowes, rev Dr, London 
 Fellowes, hon Newton, do 
 Feversham, Dowager Lady, do 
 Finch, rev T C, Penzance 
 Fisher, rev J C, Bideford 
 
 Fisk, rev Geo, London 
 Fitzclarence, Lady Adelaide, do 
 Fitze, Gibbon, hon Col, R ft, do 
 Fitzthomas, rev W E, Honiton 
 Fleming, rev F, Cheltenham 
 Foley, rt hon Lord 
 Forbes, Sir Chas bart, 2 copies 
 Forrest, Sir Digory, Exmouth 
 Forsyth, hon Miss, Cheltenham 
 Fortescue, the lace rt hon Earl of 
 Fortescue, the present right hon 
 
 Earl of 
 Fortescue, the hon Geo 
 Foster, rev A, Taunton 
 Foster, rev 0, near Winchester 
 Foster, rev Mr, near Winchester 
 *Foster, J T esq, London, 3 cop 
 Foot, rev N, Plymouth 
 Fowler, rev Wm S, near South- 
 ampton, through Miss Hale 
 Fox, Lady Caroline, London 
 Fox, hon Miss, 4 copies 
 Fox, rev H, Bridport 
 Fox, rev T H L, Sturminster 
 *Fox, Mrs Mary, Wadebridge 
 *Fox, Alfred esq, Falmouth 
 *Fox, Mrs A, do 
 #Fox, Mrs E, do 
 *Fox, G P esq, do 
 *Fox, Thos Were, esq, do 
 *Fox, R Barclay esq, do 
 *Fox, Robt Were, esq, do 
 *Fox, Edwd esq, Wellington 
 *Fox, Miss Hannah, do 
 Foxell, rev Jno, Penzance 
 Franklyn, G W esq, Mayor of 
 
 Bristol in 1842 
 Fraser, rev Peter, London 
 Frere, rev Temple, Prebendary 
 
 of Westminster, 7 copies 
 Frere, B esq, London, 7 copies 
 Frye, rev P, Lostwithiel 
 Furneaux, rev T, St. Germans 
 Gainsborough, rt hon Earl of 
 Gal way, Sir Wm, London 
 Gane, rev Wm, Shaftesbury 
 Garbett, rev Jno, Birmingham 
 Garrett, Fras esq, Torquay 
 Gamier, Lady H, London 
 Gamier, rev Thos, do 
 Gatty, rev J, Exmouth 
 Gee, rev Rt, Vicar of Paignton 
 Gibbs, rev G, Exmouth 
 Gidieon, rev Mr, do 
 
Gilbert, rev H A, Lostwithiel 
 Gilbert, rev J, Bodmin 
 Gloucester and Bristol, right 
 
 rev the Lord Bishop of 
 Glubb, rev P, Torrington 
 Glyn, Lady Dowager, Bath 
 Godden, rev G H, Plymouth 
 Godfrey, rev D R, Bath 
 Good, rev W J, Cullompton 
 Gooden, rev W, Sherborne 
 Goodenough, E, the late very 
 
 rev the Dean of Wells 
 Goodenough, rev J, Cerne 
 Goodhart, rev J C, Reading 
 Goodridge, the late J esq, R N, 
 
 Paignton 
 Goodridge, J no esq, do 
 Goodridge, Miss Jane, do 
 Goodridge, Lt Rd, R N, do 
 Goodridge, Miss, do 
 Goodridge, Miss M, do 
 Goodridge, Mr H L, do 
 Goodridge, MrR, R N, Plymouth 
 Goodridge, Mr G H, Exeter 
 Goodridge, Mr Wm, do 
 Goodridge, Mr F F, do 
 Goodridge, MrGT, ShptnMlltt 
 Goodridge, Jno esq, Sherborne 
 Goodridge, Mr Anthony, do 
 Goodridge, Jno esq, Sturminstr 
 Goodridge, Mrs Elizabeth, do 
 Goodridge, Jas esq, Bath, 2 cop 
 Goodridge, H E esq, do, 4 cop* 
 Goodridge, J F esq, Solr, do 
 Goodridge, R E esq, Lon, 2 cop 
 Goodridge, Capt Jas, sen, South 
 
 ampton 
 Goodridge, Capt Jas junr, do 
 Golightly, rev Chas P, Oxford 
 Gordon, Sir O bart, Bath 
 Gore, Wm O esq, M P 
 Gould, rev N, Exeter 
 Gould, rev F, Ilfracombe 
 Graeme, W T esq, J P, Winches 
 Graham, Sir Bellingham bart 
 Graham, rev H E, Penzance 
 Grainger, rev J C, Reading 
 Granby, the Most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Granville, rt hon Earl, London 
 Granville, Lady, Boconnoc 
 Graves, hon H, Penzance 
 Gray, Mrs H, London 
 Gregory, rev C, Crediton 
 
 G reive, Jas esq, London 
 Greenslade, rev Wm, Barnstaple 
 Greenway, G esq, Mayor of 
 
 Warwick in 1843 
 Greville, the Ladies, London 
 Grey, Dowager Lady, do 
 Grey, right hon Earl, do 
 Grey, rt hon Sir Geo bart, >I P 
 Grey, rev H, Torquay, 4 copies 
 Grey, rev F, Castle Cary 
 Griffiths, rev H, Cheltenham 
 Griffith, rev Dr, Frome 
 Griffith, rev E. Penzance 
 Grosvenor, Mrs Genl, London 
 Groves, rev W R, Bath 
 Grove, rev E H, Torquay 
 Grylls, rev Thos, Helstone 
 Grylls, rev R G, Bodmin 
 Gully, rev S T, Ilfracombe 
 *Gurney, Saml esq, London 
 Gurney, Hudson esq, London 
 Guerin, rev J, Taunton 
 Guyon, rev C L, Honiton 
 | #Hack, D esq Brighton, 4 copies 
 j Haddington, right hon Earl of 
 ! Hall, rev Jno, Bristol 
 Hall, rev G W, Gloucester 
 Hale, Miss, near Southampton 
 Halliday, rev E, Taunton 
 Hamilton, rev J, Torquay 
 Hamilton, rt hon Lord C, M P 
 Hamilton, Sir F bart, London 
 Hammond, rev A A, Southamp 
 Hanbury, Gen Sir J, K C H, Lon 
 Hanham, rev Sir Jas^bart, 
 Hankey, Col Sir Fredk 
 Harburton, rt hon Lord, Bath 
 Hardy, Jno esq, M P 
 Harewood, rt hon the Earl of 
 Hargood, Lady, Bath 
 Harrington, rev Mr, Exeter 
 Harrison, rev F G, Morval 
 Harrowby, rt hon Earl of, Lon 
 Hart, rev S, Holdsworthy 
 Hastings, Sir Thos, London 
 Havers, rev — , Woolhampton 
 Hawarden, right hon Viscount 
 Hawarden, Dowagr Viscountess 
 Hawker, rev J, Plymouth 
 Hawker, lieut genl Sir.T, Bath 
 Hay, Lady T, Leamington 
 Head, rev H E, Feniton 
 Hele, rev G, Brighton 
 Hennah, rev R, Plymouth 
 
Hendren, rev J W, Taunton 
 Hensman, rev J, Clifton 
 Hertford, the most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Hext, rev F J, do 
 Hext, rev J H, Bodmin 
 Hickson, rev C, Camborne 
 Hill, rev J, Greenwich Hosptl. 
 Hill, Sir Dudley, bart, Lyme 
 Hill, Lady T Dudley, Weymo. 
 
 mouth 
 Hindle, rev J, Gravesend 
 Hindley, C esq, M P 
 Hoare, Sir H R bart, London 
 ttoare, Lady Sophia, do 
 Holden, rev H A London 
 Holland, rev S, M D, [Brighton 
 Honeywell, rev J B, Reading 
 Hood, hon Mrs, London 
 Hope, rev F W, do 
 Hope Vere, Lady Elizabeth 
 Hopetoun, rt hon Countess of 
 Hotham, Capt the hon G F, 
 ft R N, Brighton 
 Hotham, rt hon Lord, London 
 Howard, Lady Julia, do 
 Howden, Dowr. Lady, Hastings 
 Hobson, rev J Sidmouth 
 Hoblyn, rev E, Penryn 
 Hocker, rev W, St Austle 
 Hodges, rev D, Lyme 
 Hole, rev F H, Totnes 
 Holdsworth, rev R, Dartmouth 
 Hole, rev J,^,of Woolsey 
 Holmes, rev J, Exeter 
 Holborne, Sir Wm bart, Bath 
 H ood, Sir Alex Bart 
 Horndon, rev D, Salterton 
 Horner, T S esq, Fro me 4 a co 
 Horner, rev J, do 
 Horsford, rev T, Bicester of Lon- 
 don 
 Hoste, Sir G, Plymouth 
 Hotham, Adml Sir W R, Bath 
 Houlditch, rev E, Exeter 
 Houlditcb, rev* Mr, do 
 Hudson, G esq, M P do 
 Hulton, rev W P, Southampton 
 Hunt, S R S esq, Surgn, Dover 
 Hunt, T esq, Paignton 
 Hunt, R esq, do 
 Hunt, N esq, do 
 Hunt, rev G, Plymouth 
 Hunt, rev W, Clifton 
 
 Huntingfield, Dowr Lady, Brigh 
 Hussey, rev R, Oxford 
 Hutton, revR, Teignmouth 
 Hutchins, rev W, Bath 
 Hutchinson, rev H J, Canter- 
 bury 
 Huysh, rev F, Exeter 
 Illbert, revP, Kingsbridge 
 Ingestre, rt hon Viscount 
 Inglis, rthon Sir R H, M P 
 Inglis, Capt C, R N, Shirley 
 Irby, hon Capt C, R N, Bath 
 Irby, the hon G, Cheltenham 
 Jacob, rev Canon, Winchester 
 James, G P R esq, Deal 
 James, revT, Sherborne 
 James, rev J A, Birmingham 
 James, rev Dr, Ramsgate 
 Jelly, rev Mr, Penzance 
 Jenkins, rev F, Truro 
 Jenkins, rev W, Sidmouth 
 Jenour, rev H, Weymouth 
 Jenkins, R, the very rev the 
 
 Dean of Wells 
 Jersey, rt hon Earl of 
 Jervis, Lady, Bath, 2 copies 
 Jerrard, rev F, Axminster 
 Jerram, rev S J M, Witney 
 Jeula, rev H B, Greenwich 
 Johnson, rev R A, Bristol 
 Johnson, rev W D, Gravesend 
 Jolliffe, rev P W, Poole 
 Jones, rev R E, London 
 Jones, rev J W, Weymouth 
 Jope, rev Jno, Liskeard 
 Jordan, rev T F, Truro 
 Jupp, rev A, Axminster 
 Kaye, Sir J L L, bart 
 Keith, Viscountess 
 Keith, Lady M R, Bath 
 Kelly, Sir Fitzroy, M P 
 Kelly, rev W, Brighton 
 Kempe, rev J, Fowey 
 Kempe, rev G H, Salterton 
 Kennaway, Sir J, bart 
 Kennaway, Lady 
 Kendell, rev N, Lostwithiel 
 Kennedy, rev R, Birmingham 
 Keynes, rev R, Blandford 
 King, Sir E, Plymouth 
 King, Sir J W, bart, Bath 
 King, Genl Sir H, London 
 King, rev B, 2 copies 
 Kingsley, rev C, rector of Chels. 
 
Kinlock, Dowgr Lady, London 
 Kinnaird,^Dowgr Lady, do 
 Kinnaird, Hon A, do 
 Kinsale, rt hon Lord, Salcombe 
 Kirkpatrick, rev — , Lewes 
 Kitson, rev^Mr, Paignton 
 Kitson, rev J, Morval 
 Kitson, rev W C, Tiverton 
 Knight, rev W, Bristol 
 Knocker, J esq, R N, Dover 4 co 
 Knox, hon Mrs, Cheltenham 
 Lake, rt hon Viscount 
 Lakes, rev J, Martock 
 Lance, rev T E, Lyme 
 Lane, rev C, Deal 
 Langsdale, hon Chas, London 
 Langton, Col W G, M P 
 Lansdowne, the most noble the 
 
 Marquis of 
 Laurie, Sir Peter, London 
 Laurie, Mr, Sheriff do 
 Lascelles, rt hon Viscount 
 Lawley, Sir F, bart 
 Le Bas, rev C, Brighton 
 Lee, Lady Elizabeth, Deal 
 Lee, rev J P, Birmingham 
 Lefroy, hon Mrs, London 
 Lennox, rt hon Lord A, do 
 Lennard, Sir T B, bart do 
 Leigh, rev P, Torquay 
 Leir, rev Paul, Wincanton 
 Lethbridge, Sir T, bart, Taunton 
 Lewis, rev Dr, Bath 
 Liddell, hon Mrs A 
 Lincoln, the Countess of 
 Lloyd, rev D, Greenwich Hos 
 Lock, rev G, Blackheah 
 Lockey, revF, Bath 
 Lockwood, rev F V, Canterbury 
 Lodge, T esq, Newbury 
 Lodge, Miss — , do 
 Loring, Adml Sir J, Southamp. 
 Longlands, rev Mr, Penzance 
 Longford, rt hon the Counts of 
 Lucy, rev W, Bristol 
 Lutwidge, Miss* Hastings, 7 co 
 Luxmore, rev H, Barnstaple 
 Luxmore, rev H, Truro 
 Lyon, rev R, D D, Sherborne 
 Lyte, rev II F, Brixham 
 Mc Gregor, Sir J, bart 
 Mackinnon, W A esq, M P 
 Maclaine, Genl Sir A 
 Mac Lean, Genl Sir H 
 
 Macnaughton, Lady 
 Malmesbury, rt hon Earl of 
 Mackay, hon Mrs, Bath 
 Mc Leod, Lady, Leamington 
 Mair, rev H, Shaftesbury , 
 Majendie, rev W H, Newbury 
 Mansfield, Countess of 
 Manvers, rt hon Earl of 
 Manners, rt hon Lord 
 March, Lieut R N, Gloucester, 
 
 7 copies 
 Martin, rev R, Menheniot 
 Martin, rev Mr, Lift on 
 Marker, rev Mr, Dawlish 
 Marker, rev T J, Honiton 
 Maitland, rev T H Southmolton 
 Do. for Parish Library 
 Maloney, rev Mr, Ilfracombe 
 Maunsell, hon J E, Cheltenham 
 Marsh, rev W, D D, Leamington 
 Manly, rev J, Crediton 
 Mayo, rev J, Wimborne 
 Mallock, rev R, St Mary Ch. 
 Meade, rev R G, Frome 
 Meakin, rev J A D, Newbury 
 Menzies, rev J, Weymouth 
 Meynell, Capt H, R N, M P 
 Middleton, rev J, Bridgewater 
 Middleton, rev S, Cheltenham 
 Milman, rev H, London 
 Molesworth, revW,Wadebridge 
 Molyneaux, rev C, Woolwich 
 Moncrieff, rev N T Bristol, 
 Montgomery, rev R M, Taunton 
 Montgomery, rev R, Hastings 
 Montresor, Sir T bart, Dover 
 Moore, rev C, Penzance 
 Moore, rev R, Dover 
 Moore, Lady H, Brighton 
 Moore, G esq, Solr, Bicester 
 Morris, rev W, Plymouth 
 Morley, the Countess Dowr. of 
 Morley, rev G, Newport Pagnel 
 Morton, rt hon Earl of 
 Mosley, rev T, Birmingham 
 Moule rev H, Dorchester 
 Mulcaster, Gen Sir FW, London 
 Murchison, Sir R, do. 
 
 Murray, hon C J, do, 
 
 Murray, rev J M, Bath 
 Murray, rev J W, Reading, 2 co 
 Mulgrave, Dowager Lady, Lon 
 Myers, Lady, London 
 Neal, Lady B, London 
 
Neave, Sir Thos bart, do 
 Neck, rev Mr, St Mary Church 
 Newport, rev T H, Worcester 
 Newport, rev — , Newbury 
 Nichols, rev W L, Wells 
 Norrington, rev H, Axminster 
 Norris, rev G P, Liskeard 
 North, Lady Lucy, London 
 Northampton, the Most Noble 
 
 the Marquis of 
 Northcott, Sir S bart, Teignmo 
 Northcott, Lady, do 
 Northumberland, the late Most 
 
 Noble his Grace the Duke of 
 Northwick, rt hon Lord, Cheltn 
 Norwich, the hon and very rev 
 
 the Dean of 
 Nosworthy, rev S 
 Nugent, Lady, London 
 Nunns, rev Thos, Birmingham 
 O'Bryan, right hon Lord, Bath 
 O'Connor, Don, M P, Torquay 
 Ogilvie, rev Chas A, D D, Oxford 
 Oliver, rev Geo, Exeter 
 Osbom, hon Geo, Exmouth 
 Osborn, hon Mrs S G, Blandford 
 Osmond, rev Chas, Tiverton 
 Otway, Capt Sir G bart, London 
 Otway, rev Mr, Leamington 
 Overton, rev Jno, Frome 
 Owen, rev P E, Cheltenham 
 Oxford, rt rev the Lord Bp of 
 F aimer, rev J, Worcester 
 Palmerston, rt hon Viscnt, M P 
 Parfett, revR, D D, Glastonbury 
 Parker, Sir W, Plymouth 
 Parlby, rev J, Paignton 
 Parlby, J A esq, J P, do 
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 Passand, rev H J, Shipton, near 
 
 Woodstock 
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 Pechell, Sir Jno S Brooke bart 
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 Pennington, rev M, t)eal 
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 Piatt, Baron, 3 copies 
 Plumridge, Capt J II, R N, M P 
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 Plumptre, rev E H, London 
 Plumptre, rev H, Canterbury 
 Plymouth, rt hon Countess of 
 * Pollard, Mrs Emma, Reading 
 Pollock, rt hon Sir Fredk, Lord 
 
 Chief Baron of the Exchequer 
 Pope, rev Alfred, Leamington 
 Pott, the late rev Chancellor of 
 
 Exeter, and Archdcon of Lon 
 Potts, rev Mr, Kingsbridge 
 Powell, Col W, M P 
 Powis, right hon Earl of 
 Praed, W T esq, M P, 2 copies 
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 Prendergast, Sir" J bart, Brightn 
 Preston, Sir Rt, Bath 
 Proby, rev J, Winchester 
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 Pulling, rev Jno, Deptford 
 Do. 9 copies more for friends 
 Putt, rev Thos, Honiton 
 Pye, rev F II, Bodmin 
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 Radnor, right hon Earl of 
 Radstock, right hon Lord 
 Ramsden, Lady, London 
 Rashdale, rev R, Paignton 
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 Repton, rev Edwd, London 
 Reynel, rev D W, Exmouth 
 Rice, rev F, W 7 areham 
 Richards, rev Dr, Teignmouth 
 
SRich'ards, rev H, London 
 Richardson, Lady, Chessel 
 House, Bitterne, by Miss Hale 
 Richey, rev J, Exmouth 
 Ridley, Sir M W bart, London 
 Rhodes, rev E, Teignmouth 
 Rhodes, Capt J H, R N, Bi- 
 
 shopsteignton 
 Ripon, right bon Earl of 
 Ripon, the very rev the Dean of 
 Roberts, rev J B, Dover 
 Roberts, rev S W, St Germans 
 Robinson, rev W W, Incumbent 
 
 of Christ Church, Chelsea 
 Rochester, right rev the Lord 
 
 Bishop of 
 Roe, rev S, London 
 Rogers, rev H, Camborne 
 Rooper, rev Mr, Tavistock 
 Poper, rev C R, Exeter 
 Ross, Sir W Chas, R A, London 
 Rothchild, bart, senr, do 
 Rothchild, bart, junr, do 
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 Round, C Gray, esq, M P 
 Rous, hon Capt H J, R N, 
 
 London 
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 Russell, rev Joshua, Greenwich 
 Russell, rev F, Southampton 
 Russell, rev H, Lewes, Sussex 
 Rutland, the Most Noble His 
 
 Grace the Duke of 
 Ryland, rev Jno, Birmingham 
 St Germans, the late right hon 
 
 Earl of 
 St Germans, the right hon the 
 
 Countess of 
 St John, rev G F, Sturminster 
 Sabine, rev Jno, Axminster 
 Salter, rev W, Exeter 
 Sandys, right hon Lord, 2 cop 
 Sanders, rev H, Tiverton 
 Sanderson, R esq, M P 
 Sanders, rev A, D D Dover 
 Saunders, rev — , Portsmouth 
 Savage, rev J, Cheltenham 
 Sawle, Sir J S G, bart, St Austle 
 Scale, G J, esq, Mayor of Ports- 
 mouth in 1849 
 Scoresby, rev W, Exeter 
 
 B* 
 
 Schimmelpennick, his excell- 
 ency the Count, Netherlands 
 Minister 
 Scott, Lady Ann, Torquay 
 Scott, rev G M, Plymouth 
 Scott rev R H, Exeter 
 Scott, Hon and rev W H, Cerne 
 Scott, rev G, Gravesend 
 Seymour, Lady R, London, 2 cop 
 Seymour, rt hon Lord, M P 
 Sheffield, rt Hon, Earl of 
 Shelley, Lady, London 
 Shepherd, Lady Mary, do 
 Shepherd, rev J, Greenwich 3 cop 
 Sheepshanks, ven Archdeacon, 
 
 Penryn 
 Sherborne, right hon Lord 
 Sherer, rev Geo, Bath 
 Sherman, rev Wm, Plymouth 
 Sherringham, rev J, London 
 Shirley, E J E, esq, M P 
 Shore, rev Jas, Totnes 
 Silvester, rev Thos, Buckingham 
 Simpson, rev Geo, Faversham 
 Sinclear, rt hon Lord, Torquay 
 Singleton, Lady Mary, London, 
 
 3 copies 
 Singleton, rev J, Tiverton 
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 Skelmersdale, right hon Lord 
 Slade, Lady, Bridgewater 
 Slatter, rev G M, Exeter 
 Smart, Sir G T, London 
 Smith, Sir Jno W, bart, Wey- 
 mouth 
 Smith, Jno A esq, M P 
 Smith, rev Mr, Kingsbridge 
 Smith, rev Chas, Plymouth 
 Smith, rev W P, Torquay 
 Smith, rev J, Barnstaple 
 Smith, rev Reginald, W eymouth 
 Smith, rev Jno, Leamington 
 Smith, rev Chas, Canterbury 
 *Smith, Mr Jno, Reading 
 Somerset, the Most Noble his 
 
 Grace the Duke of 
 Somerset, Lady Chas, London 
 Somerset, Lady, Bristol 
 Somerset, rev V P, 1 1 ©niton 
 Somerville, Sir Wm, M P 
 Sommery, Madame la Marquis de 
 Sondes, right hon Lord 
 Southampton, right hon Lord 
 Sparrow, rev P, Deal 
 
Speke, rev Hugh, Exmouth 
 Spencer, Lady, Truro 
 Spooner, Resq, Worcester, M P 
 Spranger, rev Dr, London 
 Spurway, rev J, Tiverton 
 Stanley, Lady, of Alderley 
 Stapleton, rev A, Salterton 
 Steele, Sir R bart, Cheltenham 
 Stephens, rev Darrell, Padstovv. 
 Stevens, R, the very rev the 
 
 Dean of Rochester 
 Stevens, the ven Archdeacon 
 
 Moore, Salterton 
 
 Stevenson, rev H J, Worcester 
 
 Stopford, Adml, the hon Sir R 
 
 GCB&c, late Rear Adml of 
 
 the United Kingdom, and 
 
 Govr of Greenwich Hospital 
 
 Stradbroke, rt hon Countess of 
 
 Stratford, hon Col, Wingfield, 
 
 London 
 Strickland, Sir Geo, bart, M P 
 Strutt, hon Miss E A, Bath 
 Stuart, Lady Louisa, London 
 *Sturge, E esq, Birmingham 
 *Sturge, T M esq, Gloucester 
 Sutherland, the Most Noble his 
 
 Grace the Duke of 
 Sykes, rev Wm, Cullompton 
 Synge, rev Edwd, Glastonbury 
 Tancock, rev O J, Truro 
 Tankerville, right hon Earl of 
 Tatham, rev A, Boconnock 
 Templeman, Lady, London 
 Templer, rev J no, Newton Ab- 
 bott 
 Templetown, rt hon Viscount 
 Tennant, Chas esq, London 
 Tenterden, right hon Lord 
 Thanet, right hon Earl of 
 Thesiger, Sir Fredk, M P 
 Thomas, Sir G bart, Weymouth 
 Thompson, Fias esq, 9, Notting 
 Hill Square, a native of Dart- 
 mouth, and in whose rela- 
 tives' ships Goodridge has 
 sailed, Jan. 4th, 1848 
 Thompson, J esq, J P, Bridge- 
 water 
 Thorold, rev W, Bideford 
 Thorpe, rev W T m, Wells 
 Throcke, rev Thos, Brighton 
 Throgmorton, Sir R bart, Lon 
 Tillard, rev R, Hastings 
 
 Tollemache, Lady % Leamingtn 
 Toogood, rev Mr, Bridgewater 
 Towers, rev R, Taunton 
 Towneiey, Jno esq, M P 
 Townsend, rev Chas, Newbury 
 Toye, rev J T, Exeter ' 
 Tozer, rev Rt, Witney 
 Trail, Lady F, Bath 
 Trampleasure, rev W, Glastnbry 
 Trefusis, rev J, St Columb 
 *Tregelles, E O esq 
 *Tregelles, Mrs M T, Truro 
 Treherne, rev J Nt, Weymouth 
 Trench, rev Fras, Reading 
 Trim, rev W H, Sherborne 
 Troubridge, Lady, London 
 Tucker, rev J, Cheltenham 
 Tufnel], Henry esq, M P 
 Tuite, Lady, Bath 
 Turner, Lady Page, London 
 Turner, rev W H, Sherborne 
 *Tweedy, W esq, Truro, above 
 
 30 copies 
 *Tweedy, W M esq, Truro 
 *Tweedy, R esq, Redruth 
 Twiss, rev R, L L D, London 
 7'wisden, rev T, Brixham 
 Tyache, rev R, Fadstow 
 Tyler, rev J E, London 
 Urmston, Sir Jas, St Leonards 
 Vaughan, rev — , Brighton 
 Vaughan, rev W, Lyme 
 Vaughan, rev Jas, Brighton 
 Venables, rev J, Cerne 
 Vernon, hon Miss, London 
 Verulam, right hon Earl of 
 Villiers, right hon Viscount 
 Vivian, the late Lord Hussey, 
 
 Bodmin 
 Vores, rev Thos, Hastings 
 Waddy, rev S D, Bath 
 Wake, rev L P, Cheltenham 
 Wallace, rev Geo, Canterbury 
 Walford, rev J D, Winchester 
 Walsh, rev W, Plymouth 
 Walsh, rev Mr, Dawlish 
 Warre, rev F, Taunton 
 Waterstone, rev P J, Sherborne 
 Watson, rev J, Bath 
 Watts, rev Mr, Kingsteignton 
 Way, rev R, Bristol 
 Weare, rev T W, London 
 Webb, Sir Jno Kt, K C H, M D 
 Woolwich 
 
Webber, rev G, St Leonards 
 Welland, rev W P, Exeter 
 Wellesley, rev Dr, New Inn Hall, 
 
 Oxford 
 Wemyss, the rt hon the Earl of 
 Wenlock, Lady, London 
 West, rev G, Taunton 
 West, rev M, Sherborne 
 Westminster, the Most Noble 
 
 the Marquis of 
 Wheatley, J R esq, Dover, 2 co 
 Wheler, Sir T bart, Torrington 
 Whichcate, rev C, Torquay 
 Whidbourn, rev G, Ipplepen 
 Whipham, revT, Kingsteignton 
 White, rev Geo, Gloucester 
 Whitshed, Adml Sir JH, London 
 Whitwell, rev J, Reading 
 Wickham, rev Mr, Exmouth 
 Wickham, rev W P, Wells 
 Wickham, rev T, Shepton Mai 
 Wickins, rev J, Cerne 
 Widdrington. rev S H, Bath 
 Wightman, hon Sir W, Justice 
 
 of QB 
 Wiggott, rev J S, Brighton 
 Wightwick, G esq, Plymouth 
 Wilcocks, rev Thos, Plymouth 
 Willesford, rev F R B, Honiton 
 Williams, rev W R, Helstone 
 Williams, rev J, Sherborne 
 William?, rev D, Bridport 
 Williams, rev W M H, Frome 
 Williams, Lady Hamlyn, Hstngs ' 
 
 I Wilmot, Lady, Worcester" 
 
 ! Willoughby, D Eresby, rt hon 
 
 Lord 
 I Willoughby, Capt Sir N, R N 
 Wilson, Sir T M bart Woolwich 
 Wilson, Sir Giffin, Q C, London 
 Wilton, right hon Earl of 
 Winchester, right rev the I ord 
 
 Bishop of 
 Winchelsea, right hon Earl of 
 Winstanley, rev C, Plymouth 
 Winn, hon Mrs, London 
 Winter, rev R, Brighton 
 Wise, rev R F, Penryn 
 Wombwell, Sir G bart, London 
 Wombwell, Sir Geo, bart 
 Wood, Lady, Bath 
 Wood, Col Thos, M P 
 Wood, B esq, M P 
 Wood, rev Peter, Worthing 
 Woodford, Lady, Margate 
 W x oodward, rev H senr, Bristol, 
 
 2 copies 
 Woodward, rev Thos, Bath 
 Worcester, right rev the Lord 
 
 Bishop of 
 Worthy, rev Chas, Exeter 
 Wrightson, W B esq, M P 
 Wynn, Lady, Bath 
 Wynch, rev H, Hastings 
 Young, Sir Wm 
 Young, rev Thos, Margate 
 Zetland, right hon Earl of 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Pa&« 
 
 Opinions of the Press, &c. 
 
 List of Subscribers 
 
 Dreadful Storm on the Coast of Ireland 
 
 Landing of the Troops, and the Storming of St Sebastian in Spain 
 
 Narrow escape of the Author from the Portuguese In Lisbon 
 
 Escape from a Pirate Ship 
 
 Miraculous escape of being run down in the Western Ocean 
 , The Execution of Thi3llewood and others for H:gh Treason 
 
 Joined the Princess of Wales .. .. ., 
 
 Gift of a Bible to the Crew by Captain Cox, Agent of the Bible Society 
 
 Boarded by a Spanish Armed Brig .. .. .. 
 
 Savages on the Coast of Africa .. .. . . 
 
 Narrow Escape of the Author from being shot ... ». 
 
 Arrival at the Crozette Islands .. .. .. ,. 
 
 Description of the King Penguins, &c. 
 
 Wreck of the Vessel $\nd escape of the Crew in the boat '., 
 
 The Bible picked up on the thiid day after the wreck 
 
 Description of Sea Elephants and mannerol killing them 
 
 The value of tho Bible made apparent 
 
 Conversion of an Atheist on the desert Island 
 
 Description and Habits of the different species of Penguins & wild fowl 
 
 Narrow escape of the Author on two occasions .. .. 
 
 The Hut on Fire .. ... .. ,. 
 
 The Sealing party join those wrecked in the vessel 
 
 Burial Place Chosen 
 
 Building of a vessel to effect our deliverance 
 
 Mode of providing clothes .. .. .. ., 
 
 Providential release by an American Schooner .. .. 
 
 The Author and nine of the crew left on another uninhabited Island 
 
 Innumerable quantities of Mice .. .. .. .. 
 
 A sloop, the Success, appeared in sight off the Island ,. 
 
 Two of the Author's Companions drowned at the Island of Amsterdam 
 The Author and two others, by casting lots, took their passage in the 
 
 Sloop Success to Van Die man's Land 
 Extraordinary circumstance of meeting with the owner of the Princess 
 
 of Wales, Mr Brojkf, at Hobart Town 
 Accident to and narrow escape of the Author 
 The Author falsely imprisoned 
 Poisonous fish of Van Dieman's Land 
 Attacked by a Robber and providential escape 
 
 Embargo on all boats in the River Derwent, in consequence of the 
 depredations of the Bush-rangers .. .. .. .. 162 
 
 Swearer's prayer most awfully answered .. .. .. .. 167 
 
 The Cumberland taken by Pirates and every soul murdered ., 171 
 
 Narrow escape of the Author from being drowned .. .. .. 174 
 
 Arrival of Ikey Solomons in Van Dieman's Land .. .. ..179 
 
 Execution of a Jew, who had before his execution embraced Christianity 178 
 Ikey Solomons sent to England a prisoner .. .. .. .. 180 
 
 Author's departure for England .. .. .. .. .. 186 
 
 Visit to the Tomb of Napoleon at St Helera .. .. ..188 
 
 The Author's return to his home, and the meeting with his aged Parents 19z 
 Addenda .. .. .. .. .. .. ..196 
 
 The Penal Set tlements of Van Dieman's Land . ,. .. 205 
 
 Modeof punishment inflicted on the Female Convicts .. .. 207 
 
 The Benevolent Societies of Van D ieman's Land, &c, &c. .. . . 209 
 
 31 
 
 35 
 
 39 
 
 41 
 
 44 
 
 46 
 
 46 
 
 47 
 
 50 
 
 51 
 
 53 
 
 54 
 
 54 
 
 64 
 
 63 
 
 75 
 
 80 
 
 83 
 
 86 
 
 93 
 
 95 
 
 102 
 
 106 
 
 106 
 
 111 
 
 118 
 
 128 
 
 130 
 
 138 
 
 142 
 147 
 151 
 157 
 160 
 
 PLATES. 
 
 Portrait of the Author, with Penguins in the back ground, faces the Title. 
 
 Wreck of the Princess of Wales, to face page 64 
 
 Killing the Sea Elephant, with the hut and one ef the crew reading to his 
 
 companion in the back ground, to face page 73 
 Enlarged view of the Sea Elephant, from a drawing by Col Hamilton Smith 
 
 to face page 78. 
 
NARRATIVE, &c. 
 
 In the previous editions of my narrative, I did 
 
 ADDENDA. 
 
 To List of Subscriber's add 
 Bolinbroke, Rt. Hon, Viscount. 
 Gardner, Rt. Hon, Lord. 
 Hobhouse, fit. Hon. Sir Jon. C. Bart, M P 
 To Bright, Jas. Esq. M. P. add * 
 
 Pa ge- ERRATA 
 
 47, Note, 2nd. line for "exmained" read "examined." 
 
 92, 11th. line up for "give" read "given." 
 
 95, 2nd. line up for "coustruct" read " conjtruct" 
 
 195, Note, 4th line up, for " Bitteris " read " hitternet" 
 
 man, who lost his life at the early age of 36 by the 
 accidental cut of his finger, which turned to a mor- 
 tificmSbn. By his father's death my father became 
 possessed of a tolerably good estate ; he then mar- 
 ried, and settled the estate on his wife, as a jointure. 
 By this marriage he had two sons and one daughter. 
 His eldest son survived him, and consequently in- 
 herited the property. My father's first wife dying, 
 he married my mother, who was the eldest 
 
 daughter of Mr. John Goodridge, at that time 
 c. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 PaQB 
 Opinions of the Press, &c. 
 List of Subscribers 
 
 Dieadful Storm on the Coast of Ireland .. .. .. .. si 
 
 Landing of the Troops, and the Storming of St Sebastian in Spain 35 
 
 Narrow escape of the Author from the Portuguese In Lisbon .. 39 
 
 Escape from a Pirate Ship .. . . .. .. ..41 
 
 Miraculous escape of being run down in the Western Ocean .. 44 
 
 The Execution of Thistlewood and others for High Treason .. 46 
 
 Joined the Princess of Wales .. .. .. .. ..46 
 
 Gift of a Bible to the Crew by Captain Cox, Agent of the Bible Society 4? 
 
 Boarded by a Spanish Armed Brig .. .. ., .. . 50 
 
 Savages on the Coast of Africa .. .. .. ., ..51 
 
 Narrow Escape of the Author from being shot . . .. ..53 
 
 Arrival at the Crozette Islands .. .. .. ,. ..54 
 
 Description of the King Penguins. &c. ■■■■ > — 
 
 10% 
 
 .. 167 
 
 .. 171 
 
 .. 174 
 
 .. 179 
 
 Christianity 178 
 
 .. 180 
 
 oncaici 3 prayer most awfully answered 
 
 The Cumberland taken by Pirates and every soul murdered 
 
 Narrow escape of the Author from being drowned .. 
 
 Arrival of Ikey Solomons in Van Diemans Land .. 
 
 Execution of a Jew, who had before his execution embraced 
 
 Ikey Solomons sent to England a prisoner 
 
 Author's departure for England .. .. .. .. .. 1S6 
 
 Visit to the Tomb of Napoleon at St Helena .. .. ..188 
 
 The Author's return to his home, and the meeting with his aged Parents 19z 
 Addenda .. .. .. .. •• .. . . 196 
 
 The Penal Set tlen^ents of Van Dieman's Land . ,. .. 205 
 
 Modeof punishment inflicted on the Female Convicts .. .. 207 
 
 The Benevolent Societies of Van D ieman's Land, &c, &c. .. . . 209 
 
 PLATES. 
 
 Portrait of the Author, with Penguins in the back ground, faces the Title. 
 
 Wreck of the Princess of Wales, to face page 64 
 
 Killing the Sea Elephant, with the hut and one ef the crew reading to his 
 
 companion in the back ground, to face page 73 
 Enlarged view of the Sea Elephant, from a drawing by Col Hamilton Smith 
 
 to face page 78. 
 
NARRATIVE, &c 
 
 In the previous editions of my narrative, I did 
 not deem it necessary to say anything of my 
 parentage, nor, as regards myself, should I now 
 consider it requisite to enlarge on it, had not 
 frequent enquiries been made of me as to my con- 
 nexion with families resident in my native village, 
 Paignton, Devon ; I shall therefore, as briefly as 
 possible, state the little I know about it. At one 
 period, the names of Goodridge, Hunt, and Browse 
 comprehended nearly the whole parish, and by 
 frequent intermarriages, consisted almost of one 
 family. My Father, Mr. Henry Goodridge, was 
 the second son of Mr. Richard Goodridge, a Yeo- 
 man, who lost his life at the early age of 36 by the 
 accidental cut of his finger, which turned to a mor- 
 tification. By his father's death my father became 
 possessed of a tolerably good estate ; he then mar- 
 ried, and settled the estate on his wife, as a jointure. 
 By this marriage he had two sons and one daughter. 
 His eldest son survived him, and consequently in- 
 herited the property. My father's first wife dying, 
 he married my mother, who was the eldest 
 
 daughter of Mr. John Goodridge, at that time 
 c. 
 
,26 ;« v ;*'.'!": :GT5DPBIDGE 7 S 
 ; .* J ,• . • 
 
 (Aug. 1795) keeping the Crown and Anchor 
 Commercial Inn, in our village, which, with the 
 exception of a comparatively short period, has been 
 held by individuals of the same family to the 
 present time. I was born on the 22nd of May, 
 1796. When about 12 months old, I was very 
 weakly, and subject to fits, which caused an 
 obliquity in my sight,* in one of which I was 
 so far gone, that Mr. Thomson, the Surgeon of the 
 village, gave me over ; after that, my constitution 
 became more established, and I have experienced 
 a very great share of health under all the hardships 
 and difficulties I have experienced. When about 
 3 years old, I fell over the stairs that led to the 
 school, and received a cut in my lip, the mark of 
 which I still bear. I received my first instruction 
 of the village school-mistress, Mrs. Lome, and at 
 the age of six could read my bible pretty fluently ; 
 I was afterwards under the tuition of the village 
 schoolmaster, Mr. Angel, by whom I was taught 
 writing and arithmetic. There were near 80 boys 
 and girls taught at the school, and Mr. Angel, a 
 religious man, took occasion when we we' u o em- 
 ployed in our daily reading of the scriptures, to 
 
 *48, Hertford St. May Fair* London, May 3rd., 1847; 
 
 I hereby certify, that I have operated successfully upcn Mr. 
 Goodridge, for the obliquity of vision, (Squint) which he has 
 suffered since his infancy, and which he mentions in the late 
 Editions of his Narrative. 
 
 J. B. ASHFORD." 
 
NARRATIVE. 2 / 
 
 expound such parts as he considered were beyond 
 our comprehension. 
 
 I remained at school till I was near 13 ; when 
 about 1 1 years of age, I had a very narrow escape 
 of my life : as I was riding in a cart, driven by 
 another boy, on coming near a bank I leaped out, 
 but losing my balance, fell back, and the cart 
 wheel went over my body. I lay some short time 
 insensible, occasioned no doubt by fright, as on 
 coining to myself, I was found quite unhurt. 
 
 Paignton is a village well situated to excite in 
 the mind of youth, an inclination for a sea-faring 
 life, placed as it is on the shores of Torbay, 
 Devon, where so frequently, at the period of my 
 boyhood, those noble structures which are at once 
 the glory, the pride, and the safeguards of our 
 island, were to be seen majestically floating on the 
 surface of that spacious harbour. This village is 
 also situated near Dartmouth, a sea port at that 
 time doing considerable trade in the Newfound- 
 land fisheries, and consequently the focus of much 
 mercantile speculation. The communication from 
 Dartmouth, and also from the fishing town of 
 Brixham, (where his Majesty's ships used to 
 water,) with the great Western Road, lay through 
 Paignton, it was therefore not unfrequent that 
 our village was enlivened by the buoyant spirits 
 of our tars in the overwhelming gaiety of a cruise 
 on shore ; and thus, beheld in the sunshine of its 
 glee, the life of a sailor, to the thoughtlessness of 
 
28 goodridge's 
 
 the stripling, appeared a pleasant voyage on p 
 smooth sea. . 
 
 About this time, I used frequently to visit the 
 beach at Paignton, between my school hours, to 
 see the men-of-war's boats come on shore, and from 
 making myself useful to them on some occasions, 
 the commander of one of the ships expressed 
 a wish to take me with him ; but this proposal 
 was overruled by my friends, as they wished 
 to give me more time at school. This, however, 
 did not check the inclination I had felt for the sea, 
 and at the age of thirteen, I hired myself as a 
 cabin boy on board the Lord Cochrane, a hired 
 armed brig, stationed off Torbay, to protect the 
 fishing craft from the French cruisers, England 
 being at war with that nation. Our usual cus- 
 tom was to sail with the fishing vessels every 
 Monday, and return to Torbay every Saturday 
 night. The Lord Cochrane mounted 14 six- 
 pounders, and was commanded by Lieut. Joseph 
 Tindal, the chief mate being Mr. John Storey, of 
 Dartmouth ; the sailing master, Mr. George Ban- 
 fill, and the crew altogether amounting to 36. It 
 was agreed that I should go three months on triaL 
 It was late at night when I went on board, and I 
 was handed through a port-hole, with one of the 
 great guns staring me in the face. The dim light 
 scattered round by a single candle, and the sight 
 of the grim engine of death, over which I was 
 conveyed without much ceremony, gave me no 
 
NARRATIVE. 29 
 
 very pleasant feelings towards the life I had cho- 
 sen ; a few days, however, reconciled me to my 
 station, and being treated with kindness, by both 
 the master and commander, having also never 
 suffered from sea sickness, I was soon as much 
 pleased with my situation, as I was first alarmed 
 at my introduction. Our commander was a most 
 spirited and active officer; and the men were 
 frequently exercised at the great guns and small 
 arms in expectation daily of their being brought 
 into more deadly use. On the first of September , 
 1809, having now been at sea some months, I 
 Was bound apprentice to Mr. Martin Gibbs, who 
 was part owner of the Lord Cochrane, with Mr. 
 Bulteel, a large ship-owner at Catwater, near 
 Plymouth. 
 
 I was now placed on board the sloop Favorite, 
 Mr. Harrison, master, (being one of the vessels 
 captured at Copenhagen, in September, 1807.) 
 She was destined for Neath, in Wales, after Culm, 
 but when quite ready for sea, it was discovered 
 she was not a British bottom, and the authorities 
 would not permit her to sail. I was then sent to 
 Plymouth, to join a ketch commanded by Mr. 
 Harvey, another of the vessels captured at Copen- 
 hagen. This vessel was also partly owned by- 
 Mr. Bulteel, at whose house I was received and 
 treated very kindly. The crew consisted of tw< 
 Swedes, two Portuguese, one Dane, the Master, 
 and myself, there being a great difficulty to keep 
 
30 GOODRIDGE*S 
 
 English sailors, as so many were required to man 
 the English vessels of war. 
 
 This vessel, on arriving at Dartmouth, was also 
 condemned by the authorities on the same grounds 
 as the other. I was then, much to my satisfaction, 
 sent to rejoin the Lord Cochrane, as I had been 
 by no means comfortably situated among the 
 Foreign seamen. One of the Portuguese, indeed* 
 had, in consequence of some quarrel, attempted 
 my life, by drawing his knife on me, but I fortu- 
 nately escaped from him. 
 
 I may here mention a little anecdote ; the Lord 
 Cochrane being hired into the King's service, the 
 crew were subject to the degradation and cruelty 
 of flogging, at which they all felt very indignant. 
 One of the crew being ordered for punishment, 
 the Commander ordered the Steward to fetch the 
 Cats, the instrument of torture. This is formed 
 by fastening nine pieces of cord, about 18 inches 
 long, to a strong wood handle, about 15 inches 
 long, and is generally called a Cat-o'-nine tails. 
 He went below, and after some time returned on 
 deck, and with a very grave face, declared he could 
 only find the handle, and that the Mice must have 
 eaten the tails. This whimsical excuse upset the 
 gravity of all present; the Commander himself 
 was irresistibly forced to' join in the laugh, and 
 the man escaped punishment. 
 
 Whilst laying in Torbay, in the latter end of 
 October, a signal was made from Berry Head, of 
 
NARRATIVE. 31 
 
 a French Privateer being in the offing ; we imme- 
 diately weighed anchor, and got in sight of her 
 just off the Start ; but after a long chase she 
 escaped by superior sailing. A few days after, 
 however, we fell in with a French merchant brig 
 laden with wheat, and captured her. My share 
 of prize money amounted to £3. which I received 
 at the usual period of twelvemonths and a day. 
 
 In the early part of 1810, I was removed from 
 the Lord Cochrane, to a new sloop belonging to 
 Mr. Gibbs, built by Mr. Page of Dartmouth, 
 This vessel was also named the Favourite, Mr. 
 Richard Paddon, of Brixham, Master. She was 
 employed in the coal and culm trade, going to and 
 from Wales and Dartmouth, till December of the 
 same year, when we sailed for Waterford to take 
 in provisions for the London Market. 
 
 When off Wexford, in Ireland, in company with 
 a number of other vessels, we experienced a most 
 violent gale of wind from the S. S. E. which was 
 directly on the land. This was a most appalling 
 scene, and the preservation of the vessel I was in 
 was all but miraculous. She was the only one of 
 the whole fleet that escaped, and most calami- 
 tous was the destruction of life, for I am not 
 aware that a single soul of their crews was saved. 
 This was a most sudden and awful visitation, and 
 deeply has it ever been impressed on my memory. 
 
 The hair-breadth escapes that are frequently 
 the lot of seamen, and the continual danger they 
 
32 goodridge's 
 
 are in, it might reasonably be supposed, would 
 lead to serious thought, and to a continual prepa- 
 ration for death ; but this it is but too manifest 
 is seldom the case — and of this I have been but 
 too frequently the witness ; — the danger over, the 
 storm is forgotten, and to a lucky chance is attri- 
 buted what ought to be the subject of thanks- 
 giving to an over-ruling power. This was 
 exemplified in the conduct of one of our crew, who, 
 having been sent aloft to strike the top-mast, 
 finding the fid difficult to get out, began swearing 
 so awfully, that the master severely censured him, 
 asking him how he could use such blasphemous 
 language, whilst we were almost in the jaws of death. 
 We were now obliged to make for Milford 
 haven which we reached in safety. Another ves- 
 sel, with four persons on board, foundered just 
 before she reached the harbour, and all hands 
 perished. We remained in Milford harbour a few 
 days, waiting for a fair wind, and our master 
 being then informed that vessels were much wan- 
 ted at Wexford, he determined on going there, 
 and having nearly reached it, another gale came 
 on, and we were again driven back to Milford, 
 having suffered very severely. A few days after, 
 we again sailed, and reached Wexford about 
 Christmas, but being frozen up for three weeks, 
 remained there till February, when we were 
 freighted by Mr. Sparrow, of Inniscorthy, with 
 provisions for London, at £3. 10s. per ton. 
 
NARRATIVE. 33 
 
 Wexford is famous for the sanguinary battle 
 fought on its bridge, during the Rebellion, and 
 some of the vessels sunk near the bridge on that 
 occasion, were still to be seen. We arrived in 
 the river Thames, in the beginning of March, 
 1811. We made another voyage to Ireland, and 
 returned to Southampton, and from thence in July 
 went to Guernsey, with straw for the troops. 
 While laying in the harbour, after our arrival, 
 having been almost forced to drink some raw 
 spirits by my shipmates, it being only 4s. per gal- 
 lon, I fell overboard from the boat I was taking 
 on shore to bring off the master, and should have 
 fallen a sacrifice to the baneful effect of drink, had 
 it not been for the centinel on the east pier, who 
 rescued me. 
 
 In this vessel I remained till April, 1812, when, 
 in consequence of some disagreement, my friends 
 took me out of her, and my indentures were can- 
 celled. 
 
 During the ensuing month I was bound appren- 
 tice to Mr. Elias Randall, of Dartmouth, for three 
 years. The vessel I next sailed in was a schooner 
 named the Totnes, commanded by Mr. Randall. 
 In her I made several voyages to and from Lon- 
 don and Dartmouth. During one of these voy- 
 ages, on October 30th, having lost sight of our 
 convoy (his Majesty's cutter Sprightly), a French 
 Privateer appeared in sight off Beachy Head, and 
 we saw her capture a sloop near us, the crew of 
 
34 goodridgje's 
 
 which, however, abandoned her in their boat, and 
 escaped on shore. On this we steered for land, 
 intending to run the vessel on shore, rather than 
 be captured, and the Privateer gave chase, but 
 about dusk the convoy hove in sight, and the 
 Frenchman made off with all sail. We bore up 
 for the Sprightly, and informed the commander 
 of the unpleasant visit, and he went off in chase 
 of the Frenchman. I afterwards heard that he 
 came up with her, and gave her a good peppering, 
 but from some cause was unable to take her. 
 
 In June, 1813, Mr. Randall having sold his 
 vessel, and having no immediate employ for me, 
 made an agreement with Mr. Follett, ship builder, 
 of Dartmouth, for me to sail in a vessel belonging 
 to him called The Trial, and commanded by 
 Captain Woolcott, also of Dartmouth. This 
 vessel was then laying at Portsmouth, and was 
 hired by government to join a fleet of transports, 
 to take out troops to Spain. On board our ves- 
 sel were drafted parts of the 20th and 38th regi- 
 ments of foot, commanded by Lieut. Campbell, 
 and Lieut. Shepherd. We arrived at Passage, 
 near St. Sebastian, about the latter end of July, 
 after a passage of ten days. Previous to our 
 entering the harbour we were becalmed, and two 
 of the transports getting too near the fort of St. 
 Sebastian, the French opened a fire of shells upon 
 them. The Venerable, 74, was then laying off the 
 fort, and immediately sent in seven boats and tow- 
 
NARRATIVE. 35 
 
 ed them out of the reach of the French shot, one of 
 those brigs was the Bellona, belonging to Mr. Bur- 
 nard, and commanded by Capt. Williams. She is 
 now rigged as a barque, and sails out of Bideford. I 
 met Captain Williams in July, 1840, at Appledore, 
 and had a long chat with him and his wife, who 
 was on board at the time. The storming of this 
 fort had commenced on the evening previous to 
 our arrival, and the thunder and lightning of the 
 British cannon were heard and seen by us during 
 the whole of the night. This was a most imposing 
 sight, the elements appeared almost on fire, from 
 the continual flashing of the cannon, and the 
 bursting of the shells. In the morning we landed 
 our troops, to the amount of between four and 
 five thousand, besides a great number of horses 
 at Passage, which was only 3 miles from the scene 
 of action ; and it was really a grand spectacle, to 
 see what might be denominated an army taking 
 the field, every man eager for the fray — the scene 
 of the conflict within view— the sound of the cannon 
 within hearings — the music playing the most martial 
 airs — the gay flags floating in the wind — and every 
 face beaming with enthusiasm. — Then, and then 
 only, did I wish myself a soldier, for with the true 
 characteristic of a sailor, I had the usual dislike to 
 a red coat, and the ardent admiration of a blue one. 
 But these are the mere gildings of war, the varnish 
 that is thrown over it to hide the blood, the wounds 
 and putrifying sores, with the heart-rending wail 
 
36 goodridge's 
 
 of the widow and the orphan, which are the real 
 attendants of war, — not to mention its soul-des- 
 troying effects, by giving loose to all the worst pas- 
 sions of the human heart. In sacred history are 
 recorded the various wars of God's chosen people 
 — these were for the punishment of the heathen, 
 who forgot and defied the Almighty ; but surely 
 this cannot justify Christians in going to war with 
 Christians. Their acknowledged chief, in his 
 most exalted title, is the " Prince of Peace :" — Can 
 it then be in accordance with his divine laws who 
 said — "the first and great commandment is, to 
 love God with all the heart ; and the second is 
 like unto it namely, " thou shalt love thy neighbour 
 as thyself." The lovers of Peace have here then 
 a strong foundation for advocating the claims of 
 the Peace Society ; and there are very few now I 
 believe, among Christians, who would venture to 
 advocate a war of aggression. 
 
 I could not but remark, on going ashore at Pas- 
 sage, the buoyant spirits of the officers, regaling 
 themselves at the different Inns, who appeared 
 more like a jovial party going to a fete, than men 
 who were so shortly to be engaged in deadly strife. 
 The privates and non-commissioned officers also 
 were enjoying themselves in various ways, a large 
 number were bathing, the weather being extremely 
 warm. A corporal Howard, who went out in our 
 vessel, amused us during the voyage with his pre- 
 vious campaigns, (having been in sixteen different 
 
NARRATIVE. 37 
 
 engagements,) and who appeared almost in ecstacy 
 when we came in sight and hearing of the' canno- 
 nading on shore ; I learnt that he again reached 
 England in safety. 
 
 One of the men on board, having been irregular 
 in his conduct, was threatened with a flogging on 
 his reaching our destination, when he swore in the 
 most determined manner, among his companions, 
 that his first shot in action should be at the officer 
 who had threatened him, if that threat were car- 
 ried into execution. I name this circumstance to 
 show the feeling with which soldiers view this de- 
 grading punishment. 
 
 Most of the transports' men were employed on 
 shore, after landing the troops, to assist in erect- 
 ing batteries, &c. and many of them were killed. 
 The vessel that I belonged to, however, with six 
 or eight others, was dispatched to Bilboa, to take 
 on board French prisoners for England, so I had 
 no opportunity of exercising my newly-born mar- 
 tial spirit. We reached Bilboa about the middle 
 of August, and about 3,000 prisoners were em- 
 barked. As there were more vessels than requisite 
 to take them, after remaining to assist in their 
 embarkation, we came home in ballast, which was 
 a great relief to us, for on our voyage out we were 
 so cramped for room, that one third of the men 
 were obliged to remain on deck night and day. 
 We understood from the newspapers when we 
 reached England, that a large portion of the men 
 
38 goodridge's 
 
 wc carried out were killed in the storming of St. 
 Sebastian, but that both the officers escaped. We 
 reached Portsmouth about September, and during 
 the time we had been away, my master, Mr. Ran- 
 dall, had had a sloop built by Mr. Follett, and I 
 was required to join her. 
 
 Shortly after I left The Trial, she was sent out 
 to Spain with medicines, &c. for the army, and 
 was totally wrecked at St. Andero ; the crew, 
 however, were fortunately saved. 
 
 Mr. Randall's new vessel was named the Dart- 
 mouth, he went with her into the coasting trade, 
 and I remained in her until within a few weeks of 
 the expiration of my apprenticeship, when Mr. 
 Randall gave up my time, in order to enable me 
 to join a vessel belonging to Mr. Harris, about to 
 sail for Newfoundland. 
 
 This vessel was named the Ann, Mr. Thomas 
 Cowles, master, and the first voyage I made in 
 her, after reaching Newfoundland, was to Lisbon, 
 with fish, but there being a slack demand, we pro- 
 ceeded to Figueira, and there disposed of the car- 
 go. We then returned to Newfoundland. On 
 our return passage, we saw a vessel dismasted and 
 deserted, but fearing to lose the fair Avind, we did 
 not board her. We shortly after made a second 
 trip to Lisbon, with a similar cargo. 
 
 While there, in the month of December, the 
 vessel being now under the command of Mr. 
 George Drummond, (who at the last time I heard 
 
"NARRATIVE. 39 
 
 of him was master of a vessel out of Brixham,) who 
 had taken the situation of master in consequence 
 of Mr. Cowles' ill health, and loading with a cargo 
 of fruit for Bristol, being on shore with two of the 
 crew, Charles Anderson, the mate, a Scotchman 
 and John Dunn, an Irishman, and having made 
 more free with the wine than prudence would have 
 dictated, on returning to the boat, which had put 
 ashore for us, we were surrounded by about 
 twenty Portuguese, who, for the sako of plunder, 
 picked a quarrel with us. The Irishman, like 
 most others of his country, was the first to resent 
 the insults offered — he was immediately attacked 
 by the foreigners with their knives, and had his 
 skull completely laid open. The Scotchman, being 
 the nearest, went to his assistance, and too soon 
 felt the vengeance of the assailants. He was most 
 dreadfully wounded in several places ; he had one 
 large cut across his neck, another across his breast, 
 and his face and one of his hands cut in deep 
 gashes. They however escaped to the beat, but 
 were on the following day obliged to be sent to 
 the hospital, and it was near four months before 
 they were sufficiently recovered to leave Lisbon. 
 When I saw the fearful odds against my com- 
 p inions, and several of the Portuguese preparing 
 to make a similar attack on me, I made towards 
 the beach, and was followed by two or three of 
 them with their knives drawn ; I, however, dashed 
 into the water, and they hesitated to follow me. 
 
GOODRIDGE f S 40 
 
 The boy who came ashore with the boat, Daniel 
 Jennings, (since commander of the Hope brig, of 
 Dartmouth, belonging to Mr. Harris,) was witness 
 of the attack, and called to me to make for the 
 boat, but some of the party were between me and 
 the landing place, and I took refuge on board a 
 ballast lighter, from which I subsequently escaped, 
 and reached the boat in safety. My two com- 
 panions were so weak fron loss of blood, that we 
 were obliged to hoist them on board with a tackle. 
 •This affair occurred on a Sunday, and had it 
 / proved fatal to the whole of us, it would only have 
 been a just retribution for such a wilful breach of 
 the sabbath, but I had to be thankful for an 
 undeserved interference of providence in my 
 favour. 
 
 We shortly after this left Lisbon for Bristol* 
 and when we had discharged our cargo there, we 
 were hired by government to convey cavalry 
 troops to Ireland. We reached Waterford about 
 the middle of January, and having landed the 
 troops and horses, returned to Dartmouth about 
 the latter end of the same month ; I then left her 
 and remaining on shore some time, I learnt the 
 theory of navigation. I next engaged myself on 
 board a vessel, the Mary, Mr. Horton, Master, 
 belonging to Messrs. Newman, Hunt, and Co. of 
 Dartmouth, bound for Labrador, and under the 
 instruction of Captain Horton, I brought my 
 
41 NARRATIVE. 
 
 theoretical knowledge of navigation into good 
 practice, Mr. H. being an excellent navigator. 
 This was in 1816. On our arrival there, I was 
 removed to a schooner, called the North Ash, and 
 reached Dartmouth in December of the same year, 
 Mr. Beard, agent to Messrs. Newman, Hunt, and 
 "Co. coming home with us. 
 
 In the latter end of January, 1817, I engaged 
 "myself on board the London, a schooner, owned 
 by Mr. John Cuming, of Dartmouth, bound for 
 the Western Islands, which had put into the har- 
 bour. She was commanded by Mr. Wm. Perring, 
 of Dartmouth, and had on board a general cargo ; 
 the merchant, Mr. Walton, of Liverpool, being 
 on board, with his clerk and black servant. When 
 about 300 miles to the eastward of the Western 
 Islands, we were brought to by a large ship, the 
 crew of which were all dressed alike, in yellow. 
 She hailed us, and was on the point of sending a 
 boat on board, when a large troop ship, full of 
 troops hove in sight, and she made off with all 
 sail. From the appearance of both the vessel and 
 crew we had every reason to believe she was a 
 pirate, and considered our escape a most fortunate 
 one. We arrived safe at Ingra, in the Island of 
 Terceira, where we discharged our cargo, and re- 
 loaded with apples and onions, which we brought 
 home to Liverpool, arriving in the harbour in the 
 beginning of July. I made a second trip to An- 
 gra in this vessel, and on our arrival there, the 
 
42 goodridge'# 
 
 master having gone on shore with the boat^s crew 
 to report the vessel, leaving the mate on board, 
 the latter got hold of the grog bottle, and made 
 himself quite incapable of taking care of the ves- 
 sel, and a strong breeze springing up, with a heavy 
 swell, she was drifting fast on the shore, when we 
 put off and saved her ; thus by the vicious propen- 
 sity of one man's drinking to excess, the vessel 
 was nearly lost, and his own life, with that of a 
 boy left on board with him, would most probably 
 have been sacrificed. We loaded home with fruit 
 for Dublin, and arrived there safe about the latter 
 end of October. We then loaded with salt for 
 Guernsey, but had not proceeded far when the 
 Vessel sprung a leak, and we were obliged to put 
 back, and having, as we conceived, secured her 
 we again put to sea, but were obliged to put back 
 secondly, go into dock at Dublin, and get her pro- 
 perly repaired. We again set sail, and on our 
 voyage put into Plymouth ; I was there obliged 
 to leave her, being attacked with a rheumatic fever; 
 I however procured a conveyance to my friends 
 at Paignton, but was afterwards unable to leave 
 my bed for many weeks, the ill effects of which I 
 have felt occasionally through life, more particu- 
 larly since my return to England. 
 
 When my health was restored I joined a brig 
 belonging to Mr. Fogwell, of Totness, called the 
 Prince of Orange, Mr. James Fish, of North 
 Yarmouth, master, and made a voyage to Sun-- 
 
NARRATIVE. 43 
 
 derland for coals. On entering the harbour it 
 blew a gale of wind, and two vesssels in company 
 were lost, but their crews most fortunately escaped* 
 This was about March, 1818. Our vessel re- 
 turned to Dartmouth, and I then made a voyage 
 in her to Memel, in Prussia, for timber, and 
 returned loaded to Tdpsham, where we discharged 
 our cargo. 
 
 I next joined a ship of 400 tons burthen, na- 
 med the Success, belonging to Wm. Hodge, Esq, 
 of Devonport, Captain Waygood, bound to Mira- 
 michi. This proved a most stormy passage of 74 
 days, and both pumps were obliged to be kept at 
 work during all the period, the vessel being ex- 
 tremely leaky. We commenced loading timber, 
 but were obliged to sail with only half a cargo^ 
 as the frost was setting in, and we were afraid of 
 being frozen up for the winter. In coming 
 through the Gut of Canso, which separates Cape 
 Breton from Nova Scotia, we struck on a reef of 
 rocks. This added considerably to the leaky 
 state of our vessel, and fearing to proceed through 
 the Gut, we returned through the Gulf of St. 
 Lawrence, and after a very stormy passage, in 
 a leaky ship, we reached England on Christmas 
 Day, 1818. It was providential for us, that our 
 cargo was not a full one, or in all human pro- 
 bability we should never have completed the 
 voyage. 
 
 During the voyage out we had a narrow chance 
 
44 GOODBlBGlf S 
 
 of being run down, in a gale of wind, by a large 
 vessel, which passed within two feet of our spank* 
 er boom, in the middle of a very dark night ; 
 indeed so alarmed were the watch on deck that 
 they sung out to the men below, to come up and 
 save their lives. Hearing the call, but being 
 positive from my reckoning that we could not be 
 near either land or shoals, I considered the leak 
 had increased, and that the ship was foundering. 
 I jumped on deck, and was just in time to catch a 
 glance of the ship as she passed, and thus to wit- 
 ness our almost miraculous escape. 
 
 In the April following, 1819, I shipped myself 
 on board the Venus, Captain Silly, belonging to 
 Messrs. Newman, Hunt, and Co. In this vessel 
 I made three voyages during that year, from 
 Newfoundland to Oporto ; and returned to Dart- 
 mouth in January, 1820, after a passage from 
 Oporto of five days, a gale of wind blowing all 
 the time. 
 
 About April, 1820, I expressed my intention 
 of going to London to go on a longer voyage than 
 Newfoundland, adopting the phrase, that New- 
 foundland was hardly out of the smoke of my 
 father's chimney. My Mother, however, opposed 
 my wish, and pointed out to me the probability 
 of my getting into bad company, and all the other 
 dangers which London was then supposed to be 
 so full ; but neither her prayers or her entreaties 
 were sufficient to arrest my headstrong will, and 
 
45 KARRATIVE. 
 
 in my passion I declared I would not return home 
 again for seven years. I had little intention how- 
 ever of keeping my promise, but my threat be- 
 came my own punishment, my departure being 
 accompanied with a breach of the " first com- 
 mandment with promise;" and now commences 
 that part of my Narrative, which though I trust 
 it will be most interesting to my readers, was the 
 most disastrous to me, and which separated me 
 from my native country for above eleven years. 
 Our evil passions but too frequently lead us captive 
 into sin and disobedience, not only against our 
 natural parents, but against the God and Father 
 of all ; and any step taken with such a beginning, 
 has seldom a favourable termination — we can 
 scarcely expect a blessing on any undertaking 
 began in sin, and carried on with wilful obstinacy ; 
 and if any of my young readers are at any time 
 led to forget the duty they owe to those kind 
 parents who have watched over their infancy, 
 nursed them in sickness, and to whose anxious 
 care they have been indebted for all the comforts 
 and pleasures of their youth, I hope this will be 
 a lesson to them, and prevent them from let- 
 ting their evil passions get the better of their 
 reason. 
 
 While in search of employ, I heard of a vessel 
 about to sail on a Sealing voyage in the Southern 
 Ocean. Of all mercantile voyages, perhaps this 
 is one which promises more hardships to the 
 
goodridge's 46 
 
 sailor than any other ; and therefore as an excite- 
 ment to his exertions, and a reward for his labours, 
 it is usually undertaken by the share : that is, 
 each mariner gets a portion of the skins procured. 
 
 The day I entered was May the 1st, 1820, on 
 a Monday, made memorable by the execution of 
 Thistlewood and five others, for high treason. 
 Curiosity led me to witness their exit, and I was 
 very near being crushed to death by the crowd. 
 
 The vessel I joined on this expedition was 
 named the Princess of Wales, a cutter, burthen 
 about 75 tons. She had previously been a Mar- 
 gate hoy, and was purchased by Thomas Bark- 
 worth and Robert Brooks, Esqrs. then of 80, 
 Old Broad Street, London. The crew consisted 
 of the commander, Captain William Veale ; the 
 mate, Mathias Mazora, an Italian ; 3 boys and 
 10 mariners* $>*«*. 4*&~-pL*. f%%* 
 
 After we had shipped our necessary stores and 
 provisions, we sailed from Limehouse Hole, on 
 the 9th of May, having a fair wind down the river. 
 We stopped one tide at Gravesend, and had the 
 articles of our agreement read over to us by Mr. 
 Bark worth, one of the owners, to the effect, that 
 we were to proceed in the Princess of Wales, 
 cutter, to the South Seas, after Oil, Fins, Skins 
 and Ambergris ; and, as before stated, each mari- 
 ner was to have a share, that is one out of every 
 ninety skins procured; the boys proportionably 
 less; and the officers proportionably more; and 
 
NARRATIVE. 47 
 
 thus, all having an interest, a stimulus is created, 
 producing a patience under privations, which 
 would if not well authenticated be considered 
 hardly endurable. 
 
 In going down the river, Captain Cox, the then 
 active and zealous agent of the Merchant Sea- 
 men's Bible Society, came on board, and after 
 some suitable observations, presented us with a 
 bible.* We thought little of the gift at the time, 
 but the sequel will shew that this proved to be the 
 most valuable of all our stores. As, however, 
 its worth was not made available till our day of 
 trouble and misery, I will not dwell on it here, 
 but pursue my Narrative. 
 
 We arrived at the Downs on the 10th of May, 
 brought to for the night, and the next day pro- 
 ceeded down the channel, with fine weather and a 
 moderate breeze ; we arrived in Torbay on the 
 
 * The following is a copy of a certificate I have obtained from 
 Mr. John Cox : " I hereby certify that having exmained the Regis- 
 ter of Merchant Seamen's Aux. Bible Society, kept by my father, 
 the late Capt. J. Cox, R. N. agent at Gravesend, I find the follow- 
 ing entry, dated May 10, 1820 :— r Princess of Wales, Wm. Veale, 
 Capt. J. Barkworth, owner, belonging to London, bound to the 
 South Seas, 15 men on board of whom 12 were reported to be 
 able to read — one Bible and two Testaments left on board for the 
 use of the crew,' Signed, John Cox, 50, Cheapside, London, Aug. 
 21, 1843." The difference in the date may be accounted for, by- 
 supposing that Capt. Cox kept his register, as they do the sea log, 
 by which the nautical day begins and ends at 12 o'clock at noon, 
 and Capt. Cox did not come on board till after 12 o'clock on the 
 9th of May. 
 
48 goodridge's 
 
 16th, where we came to an anchor ; as the wind 
 blew very strong from the westward, we remained 
 wind bound for some days, and during this time 
 I paid a visit to my friends at Paignton, to bid 
 them farewell, which I did with a sorrowful heart, 
 as my only sister was then ill in a consumption, 
 of which she died the following August. On the 
 21st, being Whitsunday, the weather proving fine, 
 with a breeze from the northward, we again weigh- 
 ed anchor and proceeded on our voyage. We 
 steered our course for Madeira, and on the 31st 
 made that island. Our next course was for the 
 Canary islands, and having got into what are 
 called the North East Trade Winds,* proceeded 
 
 * M In those parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans which 
 are remote from land, between the limits of about thirty degrees, 
 north latitude, and thirty degrees south more or less, there is a 
 constant easterly wind throughout the year ; this is called the 
 general trade wind. Receding from the neighbourhood of the 
 Equator towards the north or south, the wind ceases, however, 
 to blow directly from the east ; at some distance on the north side 
 it constantly blows from between the north and east, and on the 
 south side from between south and east. The former of these is 
 called the north-east trade wind, and the latter the south-east trade 
 wind. To this general statement there are however some excep- 
 tions : the trade winds are found to vary, both in extent and 
 direction, with the season of the year. Thus when the sun ap- 
 proaches the Tropic of Cancer, the south-east trade-wind prevails 
 further northward than the equator, proceeding from a point 
 nearer the south than the east ; and the north-east trade-wind 
 more from the eastward than at other times. On the contrary* 
 when the sun approaches Capricornus, the north-east trade- wind 
 proceeds more from the northward than usual, and extends farther 
 
NARRATIVE. 49 
 
 on towards Bona vista, one of the Cape de Verd 
 islands, where we arrived the latter end of June. 
 Our business here was to procure salt, and having 
 taken on board sufficient to salt 10,000 skins, we 
 proceeded to St. Jago, another of the Cape de 
 Verd islands, to take on board a supply of water. 
 There was a large schooner laying at Bona vista, 
 well armed and well manned, and from her appear- 
 ance we were led to conjecture that she was 
 engaged in that most cruel of all trades, the 
 procuring of slaves for our West India Colonies. 
 
 At this place we obtained a Monkey, and having 
 caught a large turtle, Jacko coming too near 
 him, while laying on the deck, was so severely 
 bitten that he died. The turtle weighed nearly a 
 hundred weight, and made us several good meals. 
 We took on board here a stock of yams, and a 
 quantity of leaf tobacco, which the sailors formed 
 into rolls for future consumption. 
 
 Off the island of Fuego (fire), so called from 
 its containing a volcano which burns continually, 
 
 to the south of the Equator ; and the south-east trade-wind also 
 veers at the same time, coming from a point a little nearer the 
 east. 
 
 " The south-east trade-wind has been known to extend to the 
 distance of seven degrees northward of the Equator, and to shift 
 so much as to blow from the south ; also, it sometimes happens 
 th at the north-east and south-east trade winds nearly meet each 
 other ; but at other times there will be an interval of several de- 
 grees between them ; this interval is subject to calms, squalls, 
 thunder, lightning, and heavy rains, and if any wind prevail, it is 
 usually from the south-west quarter." 
 E. 
 
50 goodridge's 
 
 we were boarded by a Spanish man of war brig* 
 She sent on board of us her launch full of armed 
 men, and among them a man of colour, who acted 
 as an interpreter. The officer of the boat was 
 so much crippled that he was obliged to be helped 
 over the side of our vessel into their boat, which 
 afterwards was the occasion of some jokes, not at 
 the officer's misfortune, but at the idea of employ- 
 ing on active service such a lame leader. The 
 Spanish sailors were making more free than wel- 
 come in overhauling our hold, &c., which being 
 perceived by the commander of the Spanish ship, 
 he immediately ordered them to leave our vessel, 
 which was done, and we experienced no further 
 annoyance. The Spaniard at this time had a 
 large ship in charge, but we could not understand 
 what she was. Here we saw flying fish in abun- 
 dance, as also Bonetas, and that beautiful fish, 
 the Dolphin. 
 
 On the 3rd of July, we arrived at Port Praya, 
 St. Jago, where we supplied ourselves with water, 
 and on the following day proceeded with a favor- 
 able wind from the North-east, which was the 
 prevailing wind in those latitudes. 
 
 On the 19th of July, we crossed the Equator, 
 in the longitude of 22deg. West, and here, with 
 six others, I underwent the very pleasant cere- 
 mony of being shaved. I will not attempt a 
 description of the shaving process we went through 
 my readers may obtain a very graphic descrip- 
 
NARRATIVE. 51 
 
 tion, as performed on a larger scale, and with all 
 due ceremony, in Chambers' Edinburgh Journal, 
 No. 50, 
 
 From the Equator, to 30 degrees south, the 
 wind blows from the South and East, and is called 
 the South-east trade wind (see note, p. 48). 
 We stretched across for the banks of Brazil, till 
 we got out of the trade-wind, in the latitude of 30 
 degrees South; and on the 15th of August we 
 met the prevailing Westerly winds, and then 
 steered our course for Walwich Bay, on the coast 
 of Africa, near the Tropic of Capricorn. We 
 arrived there about the beginning of September, 
 and our water getting short, we were obliged to 
 explore the shore to procure some; the natives 
 however being cannibals, and considered very sa- 
 vage, we sent the boat's crew on shore well sup- 
 plied with fire arms. The natives presented a 
 very formidable appearance, to the number of 
 nearly 500, all naked, but armed with spears. 
 This hostile appearance we were led to believe, 
 was from their fear that we were come to entrap 
 and carry them away for slaves, as had been prac- 
 tised by other vessels on this coast The dread of 
 our fire-arms prevented any attack, and one of the 
 chiefs at last ordered them to lay down their spears. 
 They immediately complied, and came down to 
 the beach to us unarmed, and were very friendly, 
 the women singing, and the men dancing, afford- 
 ing us considerable amusement. We remained 
 
52 goodkidge's 
 
 here some days, and for small quantities of Iron- 
 hoop, Bread, and Tobacco, obtained Bullocks, 
 Groats, Ivory, and other articles the produce of 
 their country. The Iron Hoop was termed by 
 the natives Cantabar; the Tobacco, Baccasaa. 
 In their eating they were very disgusting, prefer- 
 ring any putrid substances to wholesome animal 
 food, of which they had an abundance ; as an in- 
 stance, a dead Whale had been washed on shore, 
 and the carcass stunk to such a degree that we 
 could not go near it, but there was continually a 
 number of the natives eagerly devouring it. 
 Our errand being to get water, and not being able 
 to find any, we made signs to the natives to pro- 
 cure some, which they understood, and provided 
 us with, but only in small quantities in Ostrich's 
 egg shells; this being inadequate ta our wants, 
 we explored the shore for some distance to the 
 leeward, and tried in several places, but to our 
 great disappointment, after considerable labour in 
 digging, we could procure nothing but salt water ; 
 we even ventured as far as a mile in shore, but 
 with as little success, and were obliged to depart 
 without any sufficient supply. We saw a great 
 number of Ostriches on shore, and there were also 
 Ganets, black Eaglets, and a variety of other 
 birds, peculiar to those latitudes. 
 
 On seeing a large rookery of shags, nearly a 
 mile in circumference, we went on shore among 
 them, and found them in possession of quantities 
 
KARRATTVE. 53 
 
 of small fish, quite fresh, of which we supplied our- 
 selves plentifully for our own use. We afterwards, 
 however, caught sufficient for our own supply, in 
 the bay, particularly Hake, such as are caught by 
 the Torbay Fishermen. Sharks were also very nu- 
 merous, which were no welcome visitors to our 
 hooks and lines. 
 
 The natives were of middle stature, their skin 
 very black, but they painted their faces with a 
 kind of red ochre ; and the women decorated 
 their hair with buttons and shells, the former of 
 which were in much request as an article of traffic. 
 They were very expert with their spears ; we 
 frequently saw them come to the water's edge, and 
 kill the fish as they were swimming, and with a 
 certain aim. They are very treacherous, and are 
 not to be trusted. We could never go among 
 them except well armed. Fire arms is what they 
 mostly dread. 
 
 During our stay here, I had a very narrow es- 
 cape of my life : we had our muskets on deck for 
 the purpose of loading them, previously to going 
 on shore, when one of the crew took up one, 
 levelled it at me and pulling the trigger, the pan 
 flashed fire; he was dreadfully alarmed, and looked 
 at me almost petrified, expecting to have found 
 me dead at his feet, for at the instant the not hear- 
 ing any report did not serve to convince him that 
 the piece had not been discharged. On recovering 
 
 himself, he threw a little more powder into the 
 
 e2. 
 
54 goodridge's 
 
 pan, and levelling at one of the blocks at the yard- 
 arm, he fired, and shattered it in pieces. It would 
 be impossible for me to describe my own feelings 
 at what I could never consider otherwise than an 
 interposition of that Providence, which, during 
 my chequered life, has preserved me amid so 
 many imminent dangers. In a few days we again 
 set sail, and proceeded on our voyage. About 
 the middle of September we had very heavy bois- 
 terous weather, but we got round the Cape of 
 Good Hope about the end of the month. We 
 tried to make the islands of Marseven and Diana, 
 but the weather being foggy, we failed in the at- 
 tempt ; we then proceeded on our voyage, and 
 steered our course for Prince Edward's Islands, 
 in the Southern Ocean. Our water now becoming 
 extremely short, we were much pleased to see the 
 birds called Divers, which is a certain sign of 
 being near land, and it was with great joy that, 
 on the 1st of Nov. we made the Islands, having, 
 however, from the thickness of the weather, near- 
 ly passed between them unobserved. The south- 
 ernmost, which is the largest, lies in the latitude 
 of 46 deg. 53 min. South, and longitude of 37 deg. 
 46 min, East; the northernmost about nine 
 leagues distant, and in latitude of 46 deg. 40 min. 
 South, and in longitude 38 deg. 3 min. East. 
 
 I was much startled on nearing these Islands, 
 it being in the night, to hear what appeared to 
 me to be human voices proceeding from the water ; 
 
NARRATIVE. 55 
 
 but on enquiry, I was informed it proceeded from 
 the king penguins, most beautiful birds, which 
 frequent these seas in great numbers, in the vici- 
 nity of land. 
 
 We commenced our operation of sealing on the 
 northernmost Island, on the 2nd. of November, 
 but found the seals very scarce. There were 
 sea-elephants in great numbers, but we were not 
 fitted out for procuring elephant oil. 
 
 As there is no harbour for shelter, the plan 
 pursued is, for one party to go on shore, provided 
 with necessary provisions for several days, while 
 the remainder of the crew remain to take care of 
 the vessel, and to salt in what skins are procured. 
 The prevailing winds are from the westward, and 
 we used to lie with our vessel under the shelter of 
 the Island, and whenever the wind shifted to the 
 eastward, which it sometimes did very suddenly, 
 we had to weigh our anchor, or slip the cable, and 
 stand out to sea. % The easterly winds scarcely ever 
 lasted more than two days, when it would chop 
 round to the northward, with rain, and then come 
 round to W. N. W. We should then return again 
 to our shelter, take on board the skins collected, 
 and again furnish the sealing party with provisions. 
 The most boisterous season of the year in these 
 latitudes commences in August, during which 
 month the most tremendous gales are experienced, 
 with much snow, rain and hail. 
 
 The hardships and privations experienced in 
 
56 GOODRIDGE^S 
 
 procuring Seal skins on those islands may be 
 faintly conjectured, when I state the plan pursued 
 by the parties on shore. The land affords no shel- 
 ter whatever, there being neither tree nor shrub 
 on these islands, and the weather is at most times 
 extremely wet, and snow frequently on the ground, 
 indeed there is scarcely more than a month's fine 
 weather during the year. Their boat, therefore, 
 hauled on shore, serves them for their dwelling- 
 house by day, and their lodging-house by night. 
 Their provisions consist of salt pork, bread, coffee, 
 and molasses; and on this hard fare, with the 
 shelter only of their boat turned upside down, and 
 tussicked up,* they sometimes remain a fortnight 
 at a time, each day undergoing excessive labour 
 in searching for and killing seals, and very often 
 without meeting with an adequate reward after 
 all their privations. Added to this, when a gale 
 renders it necessary for the vessel to drive to sea, 
 each hour she is absent, the mind is harassed with 
 fears for her safety, and of the consequences that 
 would result to themselves if thus left on such a 
 desolate spot, surrounded by a vast ocean, and 
 where years might pass without a vessel ever 
 coming near them. 
 
 * Tussicking up the boat consists in placing one edge on the 
 ground, then raising the other edge three or four feet, with a sort 
 of turf wall, leaving an opening for a doorway sufficient for the 
 men to creep in and out. A fire is made outside the opening with 
 sea elephant blubber, and each man on retiring to rest takes his 
 station between the thwarts of the boat where he usually rows. 
 
NARRATIVE. 57 
 
 Various birds inhabit those islands, or rather 
 breed on them, such as the Albatross, Nellys, 
 Peeos,* Molly-mocks, Sea-hens, Gulls, and differ- 
 ent species of Penguins. Sea elephants also re- 
 sort to them in great numbers ; a detailed descrip- 
 tion of which I shall give in a future page. 
 
 We continued our sailing operations on these 
 islands till the beginning of December, but finding 
 the Seals by no means so numerous as we expect- 
 ed, and having taken on board our sealing party 
 with what skins they had collected, we proceeded 
 to some other islands, commonly called the Crozets, 
 having been discovered by Captain Crozet, a 
 French navigator, in the year 1772. 
 
 These islands are situated in the parallels of 
 latitude between 46 and 47 cleg. South, and longi- 
 tude between 46 and 50 deg. East, and are very 
 seldom visited. We made the three westernmost 
 of them the 24th of December, being Christmas 
 eve. The two small islands lie about 30 miles 
 apart, the smallest being six miles in circumference, 
 distant 12 miles, bearing E. S. E., from the largest, 
 the other 12 miles in circumference, distant 30 
 miles, and bearing S. E. by S. These distances 
 I do not of course give from actual survey, but 
 only from the best of my judgment. The largest 
 of the three is about 25 miles in circumference, 
 
 * These birds are so named from their cry sounding like P. O. 
 and the Molly-mocks, from their cry sounding much like Maughs, 
 hence Molly-maughs, or Molly-mocks. 
 
 1 
 
58 goodridge's 
 
 and lies about 30 miles distant from one of the 
 small ones, and about 12 miles from the other — 
 the three forming an irregular triangle. The other 
 two islands, which we subsequently visited, are 
 about 70 or 80 miles to the Eastward of the three 
 first, and lie about 1 1 miles from each other. 
 
 In Capt. Cook's voyages, these islands are sta- 
 ted to be only four in number, but there are five ; 
 two of them, however, as I have said before, 
 being small, and the weather in these latitudes 
 being generally foggy, one of them might very 
 easily have been overlooked, in the cursory view 
 taken of them by that able navigator. In Smith's 
 General Atlas they are laid down very correctly. 
 
 It may be well to remark here, that to the lee- 
 ward of the largest of the first three islands alluded 
 to, there is a reef of rocks, distant about five or 
 six miles from the land, and as there is no harbour, 
 vessels visiting it would naturally seek shelter on 
 that side, and these rocks are, therefore, in a situ- 
 ation which renders them peculiarly dangerous. 
 To the best of my recollection they bore N.N. E. 
 from the nearest point of land. I took their bear- 
 ing accurately when there, but my log having 
 been lost in the vessel, at this distance of time I 
 cannot be quite positive. 
 
 When we first made the Crozets, we observed 
 on the large island a number of animals which we 
 joyfully anticipated to be Seals, but our disap- 
 pointment was in proportion to our previous joy, 
 
NA&KATIVE. 59 
 
 when we discovered with our glasses that they 
 were Hogs. We landed on this island on Christ- 
 mas day, and found these animals very numerous 
 and very large ; indeed so formidable that it was 
 dangerous to attack them single handed, as they 
 are very ferocious, and the boars are armed with 
 very large tusks. We killed one large Hog and 
 some small ones, but as their only food is the 
 coarse grass, and the bodies of dead Penguins, 
 their flesh was not very palatable. The small 
 islands were completely iron-bound, that is, the 
 shores are so rocky and perpendicular, that there 
 is no landing with any safety, and we consequently 
 did not make any attempt at sealing on them. 
 Our boats went on shore once on one of them, 
 and brought off several young seals to serve for 
 provisions; but not seeing any seals with our 
 glasses on the other, we did not land at all. The 
 Sea Elephants, and different species of birds, were 
 more numerous on the islands on which we first 
 landed than on any of the others. The King- 
 Penguins were particularly numerous, and as they 
 were by no means so on the other islands, I will 
 describe them here : their size is about that of a 
 goose ; their rookeries, in some places as much 
 as a mile and a half in circumference, are sit- 
 uated on the low swampy beaches, where the 
 fresh water running from the mountains causes it 
 to be continually wet ; but this, as they make no 
 nest, is of no inconvenience to them. They are 
 
60 goodridge's 
 
 very handsome birds, the colour of their necks 
 being a mixture of red, yellow and purple, their 
 backs grey, and their breasts white* They lay but 
 one egg, which they carry in a pouch under their 
 bellies, very similar to the pouch in which Kanga- 
 roos carry their young. In this pouch it remains 
 during the period of incubation, which is about 7 
 weeks. Their flesh is not good for food, but we 
 used to make use of their eggs, of which we robbed 
 them, and this they would permit us to do, with 
 very little resistance, being so tame that we could 
 catch them with our hands, or knock them down 
 with a stick, whenever we felt disposed. When 
 robbed of their egg, they would lay again. They 
 commence laying in November, and by depriving 
 them of their eggs, they continued to lay till March. 
 Their feathers are very short, and their cry resem- 
 bles the hallooing of the human voice. They have 
 no wings, but have instead, what are termed flip- 
 pers, which they make use of in swimming. This 
 is also the characteristic of all the four species of 
 Penguins. Their posture when walking is quite 
 erect, but their gait awkward. At a distance they 
 have the appearance of a number of young chil- 
 dren, in white aprons. Of the skins of the King 
 Penguins we used to form a sort of shoe, (called 
 by South-seamen, Moccassins,) by turning the 
 feathers inward, and drawing them tight over our 
 feet. They were very comfortable, but not very 
 durable, for our excursions over the mountainous 
 
NARRATIVE. 61 
 
 and rocky parts of the Island, would in a few 
 hours wear them completely out.* 
 
 We continued our sealing on this island till the 
 beginning of February, but having only obtained 
 about 400 skins, and hoping that we might find 
 the Seals more plentiful at the other Islands, we 
 took our hands on board, and proceeded for them. 
 On the 5th of February, we again landed our seal- 
 ing party, eight in number, on the easternmost 
 islands, leaving their usual supply of provisions 
 with them, and the remaining seven proceeded with 
 the vessel to the other island, in which there was 
 a bay, which afforded some shelter. 
 
 The sealing party consisted of Matthias Mazora, 
 aged, 46, and Dominick Spesinick, 50, Italians ; 
 Emanuel Petherbridge, of Dartmouth, 24 ; John 
 Soper, also of Dartmouth, 17 ; John Norman, of 
 London, 24 ; John Piller, of London, 25 ; Kich- 
 ard Millechant, of Dartmouth, 16, and John Wal- 
 ters, of London, 46. 
 
 Those in the vessel consisted of Mr. Veale, of 
 Dartmouth, the master, aged about 28 ; his bro- 
 ther, Jarvis Veale, 24 ; myself, 24 ; Henry Par- 
 nell, 17 ; William Hooper, 28 ; and Benjamin 
 Baker, of London, 16 ; and John Newbee, an 
 Hanoverian, 24. 
 
 We used to visit the sealing party every seven or 
 
 * When the skins were very tender, half an hour's wear would 
 suffice to bring them into holes, we used therefore generally to 
 take two or three spare pairs with us on any long excursion. 
 F. 
 
62 goodridge's 
 
 eight days,, take on board the skins collected, sup- 
 ply them with a fresh stock of provisions, and again 
 return to the other island, employing ourselves in 
 the mean time, in salting the skins procured ; we 
 found however a great scarcity of seals on these 
 islands also, at least as to the quantity we ex- 
 pected. 
 
 The last time we visited our sealing party was 
 on the 10th of March, and our intention was to 
 have visited them again on the 18th, but this 
 turned out to be our last visit, at least with our 
 vessel. 
 
 On the 17th, a gale came on from the S. E., ac- 
 companied by a heavy swell, and the Captain 
 deemed it advisable to gain an offing ; we accord- 
 ingly slipped our cable aud stood to sea, but 
 before w r e had proceeded any distance, it came on 
 a dead calm, so that we entirely lost all command 
 of the vessel, the swell of the sea continuing at 
 the same time so heavy that our boat was quite 
 useless, for any attempt at towing in such a swell, 
 and against a strong current which was making 
 directly on the land, was utterly vain ; more par- 
 ticularly as the boats used in this service are made 
 very light. The island presented to our view a 
 perpendicular cliff, with numerous rocks protru- 
 ding into the sea, which too surely threatened us 
 with annihilation; and against them we were 
 driven onwards — not a sacrifice to the violence of 
 a present storm, but victims to the unspent power 
 
NARRATIVE. 63 
 
 of a raging sea, lashed into fury by winds which 
 now seemed hushed into breathless silence, the 
 more calmly to witness the effects of the agitation 
 raised by them in the bosom of this immense ocean. 
 Weak indeed were our efforts to stem its force ; 
 we attempted to sound for a bottom, in the hope 
 that we might be able to have recourse to our 
 remaining anchor, but that hope was vain, as our 
 longest lengths of line were found inadequate to 
 reach it. It was now ten at night, and all was 
 confusion, for our imagination led us to suppose 
 ourselves much nearer the rocks than we really 
 were ; and from this time till midnight we were 
 in momentary expectation of striking. — The sus- 
 pense was truly awful : indeed the horrors we 
 experienced were far more dreadful than I had 
 ever felt or witnessed, even in the most violent 
 storms; for on such occasions the persevering 
 spirits of Englishmen will struggle with the ele- 
 ments, even to the last blast, or to the last wave 
 that may overwhelm them ; but here there was 
 nothing to combat ; we were led on by an invisi- 
 ble power — all was calm above us — around us the 
 surface of the sea, although raised into a moun- 
 tainous swell, was comparatively smooth; but 
 the distant sound of its continual crash on the 
 breakers, to which we were drawn by an irresis- 
 tible force, broke on our ears as our death knelL 
 and every moment brought us nearer to what 
 appeared inevitable destruction; my disobedience 
 
64 goodridge's 
 
 to my maternal heart-stricken parent now stung 
 me like an adder, her entreaties and kind solicita- 
 tions came back to my memory, and my conscience 
 charged me as the offender whose crimes had 
 called forth the coming judgment. At last the 
 awful moment arrived, and about twelve o'clock at 
 night, our vessel struck with great violence. Al- 
 though previous to her striking all hands appeared 
 paralysed, now arrived the period for action. The 
 boat* was fortunately got out without any accident* 
 and all hands got into her with such articles as we 
 could immediately put our hands on, among which 
 were a kettle, a frying-pan, our knives and steels 
 in our belts, as seen in the frontispiece, and a 
 Fire-bag (this article is a tinder-box, supplied 
 with cotton matches, and carefully secured from 
 the damp in a tarpauling bag, and generally used 
 by South-seamen), but without any provisions or 
 clothes, except what we stood upright in; and 
 unfortunately for me, I had in the morning taken 
 off a good suit of clothes, and put on one not 
 worth five shillings ; this, with a great coat I by 
 chance saved, having previously put it into the 
 boat, was all I secured. 
 
 The night was dark and rainy, and the vessel 
 was pitching bowsprit under, we were surrounded 
 by rocks, and the nearest shore was a perpendi- 
 cular cliff of great height. We however tugged 
 lustily at the oars, but with little progress, the 
 sea- weed, called kelp, being extremely thick, long 
 
NARRATIVE. 65 
 
 and strong, and the current running direct on the 
 shore. We had not cleared the vessel above a 
 quarter of an hour before we were threatened 
 with another danger. An enormous whale rose 
 near us and began beating the water with the 
 nooks of its tail, within a very few yards of the 
 stern of our boat, but fortunately it did us no 
 injury.* Well may the poet say — 
 
 God moves in a mysterious way, 
 His wonders to perform ; 
 He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
 And rides upon the storm. 
 
 After four hours incessant labour, we succeeded 
 in effecting a landing, on a more accessible part 
 of the island, but our boat was swamped, and 
 it was with great difficulty we succeeded in 
 dragging her on shore, which however we at 
 length accomplished, and by turning her bottom 
 upwards, and propping up one side as before 
 described, we crept under and obtained s0me 
 little shelter from the rain, being all miserably 
 cold, wet, and hungry. 
 
 We remained huddled together till day light 
 appeared, and our craving appetites then told us 
 it was time to seek for sustenance ; we therefore 
 sallied forth in search of food ; we were from our 
 
 * In whaling voyages, this is one of the most formidable dan- 
 gers experienced, as a whale will sometimes strike a boat so for- 
 cibly as to send it into the air, crew and all, and the lives of the 
 men are frequently lost by such accidents. 
 f2. 
 
66 GOODRIDGE^ 
 
 previous visits to these islands, aware that the Sea* 
 Elephants made them their resort, and hunger 
 lending a keen spur to our exertions, we soon 
 discovered one, although they were rather scarce 
 at this period of the year, nor was it long before 
 we had dispatched it. With its blubber* we soon 
 kindled a fire ; and the heart, tongue, and such 
 other parts as were eatable, with the assistance of 
 our kettle and frying-pan, were soon in a forward 
 state of cookery. We also made a fire of some 
 blubber under our boat, and by it we dried our 
 clothes, and made ourselves somewhat more com- 
 fortable. 
 
 When we were in some measure refreshed, and 
 had recruited our strength with the food we had 
 procured, a party of us set out over the hills, in 
 the direction of the. spot where the vessel was 
 wrecked, in order^ r to ascertain her fate and to- see 
 if there was a possibility of saving anything out 
 of her* They returned about the middle of the 
 day, and reported she Was laying on the rocks, on 
 her beam ends, with a large hole in her lower 
 planks, and the sea breaking over her, so that it 
 was impossible she could Hold together much lon- 
 ger ; it was evident, therefore, that all hopes of 
 saving her was at an end, and our endeavours 
 could now only be exerted for the purpose of saving 
 any portion of the wreck, such as planks, or 
 
 * This is the fat of the animal, from which the South seamen 
 sxtract the oil by boiling. 
 
NARRATIVE. 6? 
 
 fragments of wood containing bolts, nails, &c. 
 that might prove serviceable to us in our desolate 
 situation, and to which we now considered our- 
 selves doomed for life ; still, thankfulness for the 
 preservation of our lives, was due to the Author 
 of all good. 
 
 On the following morning we succeeded in 
 launching our boat, and we then proceeded to- 
 wards the wreck. In our progress we discovered 
 a cove much nearer the vessel than where we 
 landed, and we resolved to make that our imme- 
 diate station. 
 
 We next visited the wreck, and succeeded the 
 first day in saving the Captain's chest, the Mate's 
 chest, and also several planks. On the following 
 day, the 20th of March, we picked up her trisail 
 and some casks of bread ; the casks however not 
 being water tight, the bread was all spoilt by the 
 salt water. This was a sad disappointment*; it 
 was as it were indeed and in truth, taking the 
 bread out of our mouth, and my readers must 
 recollect that we had no baker's shop from which 
 to obtain a fresh supply — no corn in ground for a 
 future hope — for with us there was no prospect 
 of either seed-time or harvest ; but there was that 
 in store for us which was more precious than the 
 widow's cruise, for the last thing we saved on this 
 day, and which we found floating on the water 
 was what proved the most invaluable of gifts,— it 
 
68 goodridge's 
 
 was the identical bible* put on board by Captain 
 Cox, the agent of the Merchant Seamen's Bible 
 Society, at Gravesend, on our sailing out of the 
 river Thames, as before mentioned. 
 
 But too often are the gifts bestowed by the 
 Bible Societies ill appreciated, and this had un- 
 doubtedly been the case with us, up to this time ; 
 but it soon became our greatest consolation. 
 
 What made this circumstance more remarkable 
 was, that although we had a variety of other 
 books on board, such as our navigation books, 
 journals, log-books, &c. this was the only article 
 of the kind that we found, nor did we discover the 
 smallest shred of paper of any kind, except this 
 bible; and still equally surprising was it, that 
 after we had carefully dried the leaves, it was so 
 little injured, that its binding remained in a very 
 serviceable condition, and continued so, as long as 
 I had an opportunity of using it. 
 
 On the next day we again visited the scene of 
 our unfortunate wreck, but the wind having in the 
 interval blown very strong we saw to our sorrow 
 that nothing remained of our vessel but the Top- 
 mast, which had become entangled by the rigging 
 among the rocks and sea weed, and this was the 
 last thing we were enabled to secure. 
 
 * William Hooper being in the boat, he was the first that saw 
 the bible, and he sung out lustily, pull up, pull up, here is 
 our bible. 
 
NARRATIVE. 89 
 
 The weather continued so wet and boisterous 
 for three weeks from this time, that it was as 
 much as we could well do to procure necessary 
 food for our sustenance, and we therefore conten- 
 ted ourselves with the shelter our boat, tussicked 
 up as before described, afforded us, during that 
 period; the weather proving subsequently less 
 inclement, our minds became somewhat more 
 reconciled to our forlorn situation, and as we had 
 no hope of obtaining anything more from the 
 wreck of the vessel, we set about collecting all the 
 materials we had previously saved, and then com- 
 menced erecting for ourselves a more commodious 
 dwelling place. We had not to dig deep for a 
 foundation, and having plenty of space, we had no 
 need to make underground cellars, or raise our 
 habitation to a four or five story attic. Although 
 we had no masons among us, we resolved on having 
 a stone built house ; but necessity was our guide, 
 I believe, more than choice ; for there was neither 
 a tree nor a shrub growing on the whole island, 
 and the stock of wood we saved from the wreck 
 of the vessel formed but a very indifferent timber 
 yard, we were therefore obliged to be very sparing 
 of that article. As we had no great choice of 
 materials, we were not over particular as to the 
 exact symmetry of our architecture, and not 
 having the Times newspaper within reach, 'we 
 forbore to advertise for either plans or specifica- 
 tions. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, our 
 
70 goodridge's 
 
 work went merrily on, and our walls were up in 
 much less time than Mr. Peto got up the walls of 
 the House of Lords — aye or even the House of 
 Commons, and ours was indeed a house of (at 
 least short) commons. But to proceed — the walls 
 being up our next care was the roofing, and now 
 our stock of wood was obliged to be put more in 
 requisition; our stock of nails, too, came into use — 
 but it may be presumed we did not put two where 
 one would suffice. Walls and roof-rafters being 
 complete, our next want was something to keep 
 the rain out. Although we had plenty of rocks 
 and stones we had no slate, a thatch therefore 
 seemed to be the next best material, and having 
 plenty of long grass, it would no doubt have formed 
 a very good covering ; but we were very anxious 
 to get snugly housed, for during all the time of 
 our building we had no shelter but our boat turned 
 upside down, as before described, so instead of 
 slate or thatch we covered our rafters with the 
 skins of the Sea Elephants we killed for food; 
 and having by this means very soon covered in 
 our house, it was jokingly remarked, that after all 
 " there was nothing like leather." Having thus 
 far completed our building, we began to look a 
 little after the interior comforts ; for our beds we 
 gathered a sufficient quantity of the long dried 
 grass; and the skins of seals we chanced to kill 
 served us for sheets, blankets, and counterpanes. 
 Our general bed places were divided off by fixing 
 
NARRATIVE. 71 
 
 a board between each, but we had only the flooring 
 for mattress or sacking. Across the feet end of 
 the bed-places we nailed a plank, and this formed 
 a long low seat, and served us instead of chairs ; 
 our meals were taken quite in pic-nic style, — for 
 we spread our viands on the ground, having 
 nothing we could form into a table. There was 
 one exception as regarded the bed-places — Capt. 
 Veale having erected a kind of sleeping cabin, at 
 one end of the hut, towards the sea, at a little 
 distance from the ground; he had also an opening 
 in the wall, to close which he made a sliding 
 shutter; this formed a sort of port-hole, from 
 which he could keep a look-out without moving 
 from his sleeping berth. We drove a few nails in 
 the walls to hang up any birds we had taken, 
 which were not immediately required. I believe 
 I have now given the sum total of our domestic 
 arrangements, and my readers will see that we 
 had very few conveniences ; and were almost as 
 destitute of them as Diogenes in his tub. 
 
 My readers must not conceive, that we were 
 very complete builders, for besides having but few 
 tools, we had neither lime for cement or white- 
 washing or paint for decoration ; and also wanting 
 glass, we were obliged to do without windows; the 
 same opening therefore that served us for entrance, 
 served also for the admission of light and air; and 
 when the weather compelled us to shut out the cold 
 
72 ooodridge's 
 
 we were obliged to shut out the light of the day 
 also. 
 
 While constructing our hut, we found on the 
 island traces of some Americans who had visited 
 these islands sixteen years before, and who had 
 built a hut and other conveniences ; the Sea Ele- 
 phants however had trodden almost every thing 
 into the ground ; and as we had no tools where- 
 with to dig, we could not search for anything 
 they might have left. Providence, however, at 
 length threw the means in our way of effecting 
 our wishes; — for one o'f our company, John Soper, 
 while searching for eggs at a considerable distance 
 from our building, found a pick-axe, and brought it 
 home in high glee. To men situated as we were, 
 and cherishing a sort of superstition, which I have 
 before remarked on, it was not to be wondered at 
 that we should deem this almost a miracle; suffice 
 it however to say, we all returned our hearty 
 thanksgivings for the favour, and set to in good 
 earnest to make use of it by digging up the place 
 where traces of the hut remained ; and our labour 
 proved not to be in vain, for we got up out of the 
 earth a quantity of timber, with pieces of iron, 
 nails, &c. &c. all which we carefully preserved; 
 we also found part of a pitch pot which would 
 hold about a gallon. This proved highly valuable 
 to us, for, by the help of a piece of iron hoop, we 
 afterwards manufactured it into a frying-pan, our 
 
NARRATIVE. 73 
 
 Other being worn so thin by continued use that it 
 was scarcely fit to cook in. Digging further we 
 found a broad axe, a sharpening stone, a piece of 
 a shovel and an auger, also a number of iron 
 hoops. These things proved of essential service to 
 us. We did not save any of our lances from the 
 vessel, and we had often considerable labour to 
 kill the large male Sea Elephants ; but we now 
 took the handle of our old frying-pan, and with 
 the help of the sharpening stone, gave it a good 
 point — we then fixed it in a handle, and with 
 this weapon we dispatched these animals with ease.* 
 
 A representation of an attack upon a Sea Ele- 
 phant on the beach, near our hut is given in the 
 print. 
 
 It may be conceived that our domicile, although 
 comfortable, in comparison to our boat tussicked 
 up, was by no means a very cheerful abode during 
 stormy weather ; from our want of skill as buil- 
 ders we had failed in forming a chimney that 
 would properly carry off the smoke, it had there- 
 fore to make its way out in the best manner it 
 
 * These animals, although of enormous size, offer scarce any 
 resistance, are very sluggish in their movements, and conse- 
 quently easily killed. We used first to give them a blow on the 
 nose with the flat side of the lance, when they would rear them- 
 selves up above our height, resting on their fore flippers, and were 
 easily dispatched with our lances, as they then presented to us the 
 parts more easily penetrated, and their movements were only back- 
 ward, without changing their upright position, as we repeated our 
 assaults. 
 
 G. 
 
74 goodridge's 
 
 could, and for want of a good draught, it would 
 generally make the circuit of our room before it 
 found an exit ; consequently, after we had been 
 thus confined for some days, we might well have 
 been mistaken for a company of chimney-sweepers, 
 our exterior being as sooty as might needs be, and 
 our whole persons pretty tolerably smoke-dried 
 into the bargain.* 
 
 Although storms were very frequent, it was 
 only on two occasions that I remember their 
 being accompanied by thunder ; and my attention 
 was more particularly drawn to this by observing 
 the effect it produced on the Sea Elephants, which 
 were on the beach, as they all instantaneously 
 rushed into the water, as if panic-struck, and it 
 was some time before they again ventured up. 
 
 The dog seals are named by South-seamen Wigs, 
 and the female seals are called Clap-matches. 
 The male seals or Wigs are larger than the largest 
 Newfoundland dog, and their bark is somewhat 
 similar. When attacked they would attempt to 
 bite; and it required some dexterity to avoid 
 their teeth, the wounds from which were difficult 
 . to heal. After our wreck, we used to kill them 
 only for their skins, to make articles of clothing, 
 
 * We used sometimes to take a view of our improved appear- 
 ance in the smooth surface of some standing pool, and pass our 
 jokes on the fascinating figures we should cut, if, in such sooty 
 guise, with the addition of our lengthened beards, we had an 
 opportunity of meeting our wives or sweethearts. 
 
NARRATIVE, 75 
 
 as the flesh was very rank. The skins of the 
 females we preferred for bedding — their cry when 
 attacked resembles the human voice. They bring 
 forth their young usually about December, on 
 shore, where they also suckle them, but make the 
 sea their general resort. The young ones are 
 usually denominated Pompeys, by South-seamen, 
 and are very excellent food. Their cry when 
 attacked resembled that of a child, and tears flowed 
 freely from their eyes. They are quite black and 
 glossy, and almost devoid of fur. When two or 
 three months old they become a beautiful silver 
 grey, but are not so desirable for the table, as they 
 are then weaned, and having to provide for them- 
 selves, become comparatively lean. The supply 
 of seals we found very scanty, our principal de- 
 pendence therefore was on the Sea Elephants, 
 which, from their great tameness, became an easy 
 prey ; and served us for meat, washing, lodging, 
 firing, lamp-light, shoe-leather, sewing-thread, 
 grates, washing-tubs, and tobacco pipes, and in 
 describing how we applied this animal to the 
 several uses named, I will take them seriatim: — 
 First then for food we used the heart, the tongue, 
 the sweetbread, the . snotters (a sort of fleshy 
 skin that hangs over the nose), and the flippers 
 (a sort of fin which assists the animal in swim- 
 ming*) ; also the skins of the old ones, which with 
 
 * The flesh resembled very coarse beef, to the eye, but was very 
 hard, and by no means palatable. 
 
76 goodridge's 
 
 the snotters and flippers, well boiled, formed a 
 thick jelly, and with the addition of a few eggs, 
 two or three pigeons or sea hens, made an excel- 
 lent soup. The tongue, the heart and sweetbread 
 we roasted, boiled or fried, according as our fancy- 
 dictated. 
 
 Secondly, in the laundry department, when we 
 required a day's wash, and this, by the bye was 
 pretty frequent (as we could not boast of any 
 large stock of linen), as soon as we had killed a 
 Sea Elephant, we turned the carcass on its back, 
 and taking out the intestines, we managed to let 
 the blood flow into the cavity, thus making a 
 washing tub of the body, we then rubbed away 
 at our linen, dipped in the blood, as a washing- 
 woman would in soap-suds, and after rinsing it out 
 two or three times in the running brook close by, 
 our wash was complete, and the linen was cleansed 
 as well as if we had used the best soap for the 
 purpose. We were led to try this plan, by obser- 
 ving that after our hands had been much smeared 
 with blood in killing a Sea Elephant, they were 
 much cleaner, when we subsequently washed 
 them with water, than they were when we washed 
 them at other times. 
 
 Thirdly, the use we made of these animals as 
 regards lodging I have before described, by em- 
 ploying their skins as a material for our roofing. 
 
 Fourthly, our firing and lamp light were pro- 
 duced from the blubber or fat of the animal. 
 
NARRATIVE. 77 
 
 For the former purpose we formed a grate with 
 their bones on which we laid pieces of blubber ; 
 these were easily ignited, and formed a good sub- 
 stitute for wood or coals. For a lamp we inserted 
 pieces of split rope yarn, in a lump of blubber 
 (the pieces of blubber were usually about a 
 foot square, or more, and several inches thick); 
 we used to insert three or four wicks in it of about 
 an inch long, being very sparing of our stock of 
 rope-yarn; we set fire to all the wicks, on 
 retiring to bed, and it seldom occurred that they 
 all went out during the night. Our reason for 
 doing this was to enable us to light our fire in the 
 morning, for as we had but a small stock of 
 matches, and no means of obtaining brimstone to 
 make more, we husbanded them very carefully, 
 in case of future necessity ; we were also obliged 
 to make use of our matches, to procure a fire 
 occasionally while out on our foraging expeditions. 
 
 Fifthly, of the skins we formed also our shoes 
 or Mocassins, when we wanted to make a durable 
 article ; and for this purpose, after we had cut out 
 a piece of the skin of the proper shape, we cut 
 holes round the edges, and then by running a 
 thong, made from a strip of the skin, through the 
 holes, we drew them tight over our feet. 
 
 Sixthly, of their hollowed teeth we formed 
 
 the bowls of our tobacco pipes, and to this having 
 
 attached the leg or wing bone of a water fowl, 
 
 our smoking apparatus was complete. Tobacco 
 g2. 
 
78 goodridge's 
 
 however we had none, and as a substitute, though 
 a very poor one, we used to use the dried grass> 
 but this soon weaned us of the practice, though 
 most of us took it up again, when we were en- 
 abled to procure tobacco.* 
 
 Having thus enumerated the various uses to 
 which we applied the different parts, my readers 
 will see that the Sea Elephant was a most valuable 
 animal to us. These animals are, I consider, a 
 species of Walrus, but are very different from 
 those described by naturalists ;. at least in such 
 works as I have had an opportunity of examining, 
 among others, Shaw's Zoology, Wood's ditto, 
 Mavor's Natural History, &c. 
 
 It has been enquired of me, whether it might 
 not have been what is called the Sea Lion ; but 
 the description of this animal given by Captain 
 Cook, in his Voyages round the World, by no 
 means corresponds. 
 
 The largest Elephants are about twenty-five 
 feet long, and eighteen feet round, and their blub- 
 ber was frequently seven inches thick, and the 
 produce of one of these animals would yield a ton 
 of oil. 
 
 The fleshy protuberance at the snout of these 
 
 * The want of Tobacco is generally considered a great punish- 
 ment, to those who have used it for any time, but such habits, 
 however inveterate, may be overcome by perseverance as well as 7 
 by necessity, as I have proved in my own case, for in the year 
 1846, finding that many ladies, to whose kindness I was much. 
 
KARHATIVE. 79 
 
 animals, more particularly the males, has the 
 appearance of a proboscis, from which, and their 
 great size, they doubtless derive their name of 
 Sea Elephant a, 
 
 Our cookery consisted principally of soup, com* 
 prised of the different parts of the Sea Elephant 
 enumerated, with the addition of eggs, instead of 
 vegetables or bread. To this we frequently added 
 the brain of the animal, which was almost as 
 sweet as sugar, and was often eaten by us in its 
 raw state. * 
 
 The only kind of vegetable on the island, besides 
 grass, was a plant resembling a cabbage in appear- 
 ance. When we first discovered this vegetable we 
 considered we had found a great prize, as one of 
 our party, Wm, Hooper, knew the plant, having 
 used it for food in the Island of Desolation, in the 
 South Seas ; we therefore tried it several times, 
 but found it so bitter that we could not make use 
 of it, and were much disappointed, as we could 
 not account for its unpleasant taste, as it had been 
 as sweet as the best English cabbage when he had 
 used it before* 
 
 Mr. Veale had fortunately saved his watch un- 
 injured, so we were able to divide our time pretty 
 regularly. When settled in our habitation, we 
 usually rose about eight in the morning, and 
 
 indebted, had a great aversion to the smell of tobacco, I deter- 
 mined to give up the practice, and from that time I have never 
 taken a pipe in my mouth. 
 
SO goodridge's 
 
 took breakfast at nine ; after breakfast, some of 
 the party would go catering for the day's provi- 
 sions, whilst the others remained home to fulfil 
 the domestic offices, to cook, &c. We dined 
 generally about one o'clock, and took tea about 
 five. For some months this latter meal, as far as 
 the beverage went, consisted only of boiled water, 
 but we afterwards manufactured what we named 
 Mocoa, as a substitute for tea, and this was pre- 
 pared from raw eggs beat up in hot water. We 
 supped about seven or eight, and generally retired 
 to rest about ten. We had saved an oil can in 
 the boat ; this served us to make our Mocoa in, 
 and it favoured our cooking apparatus . 
 
 I have before said that the most valuable thing 
 we preserved from the wreck was our bible ; and 
 I must here state that some portion of each day 
 was set apart for reading it ; and by nothing per- 
 haps could I better exemplify its benefits, even 
 in a temporal point of view, than by stating, that 
 to its influence we were indebted for an almost 
 unparalleled unanimity during the whole time we 
 were on the island. The welfare of the commu- 
 nity was the individual endeavour of all ; and 
 whatever was recommended by the most expe- 
 rienced, was joyfully acquiesced in by the rest. 
 If ever a difference of opinion arose, a majority 
 of voices decided the measure, and individual 
 wishes always gave away to the proposals that ob- 
 tained the largest suffrages. Peace reigned among 
 
NARK ATI VE. 81 
 
 us, for the precepts of Him who was the harbin- 
 ger of peace and good- will towards men, were daily 
 inculcated, and daily] practised. It is with the 
 greatest gratification I dwell on this subject, and 
 never will the benefits bestowed on us by that 
 precious gift be obliterated from my mind. If 
 ever there was a fulfilment of that promise, as 
 contained in Ecclesiastes, xi. 1, cc Cast thy bread 
 upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many 
 days" this simple fact must bring it home to 
 every, even the least, contributor to that most 
 valuable of all institutions, the Seamen's Bible 
 Society ; for it was fulfilled even to the very let- 
 ter: — The Bible when bestowed was thrown by 
 unheeded— it traversed wide oceans — it was scat- 
 tered with the wreck of our frail bark — and was in- 
 deed and in truth found upon the waters after many 
 days ; and not only was the mere book found, but 
 its value was also discovered, arid its blessings, 
 so long neglected, were now made apparent to us. 
 Cast away on a desert island, in the midst of an 
 immense ocean, without a hope of deliverance, 
 lost to all human sympathy, mourned as dead by 
 our kindred; in this invaluable book we found 
 the herald of hope, the balm of consolation, the 
 dispenser of peace, the soother of our sorrows, and 
 a pilot to the harbour of eternal happines. How 
 truly was the saying exemplified to us, that " Man's 
 extremity, is God's opportunity." 
 
 Our days thus passed on with very little change, 
 
82 goodridge's 
 
 " hope deferred maketh the heart sick," and this 
 would indeed have been the case with us had not 
 a new hope, inspired by the word of God, cheered 
 us in our most desponding moments. But even 
 here the bible was not without an enemy, for 
 one of our crew (Matthias Mazora, an Italian) 
 was a professed Atheist, and would deride and 
 make sport of our religious exercises; he was 
 however extremely ignorant, not being able to 
 read, at least not the English language, and 
 having no one to second him, his conduct did not 
 disturb the general harmony that reigned among 
 us. Ours was really and truly a Peace Society. 
 A very curious circumstance occurred relative to this 
 man, Mazora: — Sailors are, generally speaking, 
 superstitious, yet it is by no means a superstition 
 which begets fear ; but rather a belief in super- 
 natural agency, and in prognostications ; and this 
 perhaps arises from a large portion of their time 
 being spent in night watching, when, to beguile 
 the hours, tales of mystery are frequently resorted 
 to. Be this however as it may, a complete and 
 most extraordinary change took place in this in- 
 dividual, and which was occasioned by an inter- 
 position which he deemed supernatural; and 
 whilst we have on record the narrative of the 
 conversion of Colonel Gardiner; and whilst we 
 also admit the power, why should we deny the 
 practice, of a visible interference by Omnipotence 
 in our earthly concerns. The story he gave of 
 
NARRATIVE. 83 
 
 himself was as follows: — He had been seeking 
 for provender alone, and evening closed on him 
 before he could reach our dwelling. The darkness 
 perplexed him, and the ground which he had to 
 cross being very uneven, and interspersed with 
 many rocks and declivities, fear increased rather than 
 decreased his powers of perception, and he became 
 so much alarmed that he was totally unable to 
 proceed. Here he first felt his own weakness ; he 
 hallooed loudly for help, but he was far out of 
 hearing of our'' abode ; and his own voice re- 
 echoing back, became to him a fresh source of 
 alarm. Bereft of all human aid, and every mo- 
 ment adding to his fear, he at length called on the 
 name of his Maker and Saviour, and implored that 
 assistance from heaven, which, in derision, he had 
 before so often scorned. He prayed now most 
 fervently for deliverance ; and suddenly, as he 
 conceived, a light appeared around him, by which 
 he was enabled to discover his path, and to reach 
 our hut in safety. So fully satisfied was he him- 
 self, that it was a miraculous interposition of 
 Providence, that from that period he became quite 
 another man ; he never after contemned the bible, 
 or derided our daily reading, but on the contrary 
 was a most attentive listener; and this would 
 not content him — for so eager was he to gain a 
 knowledge of its truths, that he would often solicit 
 some of us to read it to him, when we were not 
 
84 goodridge's 
 
 otherwise engaged, and which myself, as well as 
 others frequently did. 
 
 He would after some time, choose the portions 
 of Scripture he preferred : and after I had read 
 portions of the prophecies, he would request me 
 to seek their corresponding fulfilment in the New 
 Testament, and he would dwell with much satis- 
 faction on those strong corroborations of Gospel 
 truth. The merciful promises held out to sinners 
 by faith in the Saviour, were also his favourite 
 subjects, and the numerous passages in which 
 salvation is offered to all who seek it through Christ, 
 appeared to give him much delight. Such portions 
 of Scripture as Psalms lv. 22. " Cast thy burthen 
 on the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Matthew 
 xi. 28. s€ Come unto me all ye that labour and are 
 heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Acts xvi. 
 31. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christy and thou 
 shalt be saved" Luke xv. 7. u Joy shall be in 
 Heaven ovei % one sinner that repenteth. 1 Tim. i. 
 15. " This is a faithful saying, and worthy of 
 all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the 
 world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" 
 These and other such like passages he would get 
 by heart and frequently refer to ; indeed from being 
 a determined scorner, he became a pattern to us 
 in the search for Divine truth. 
 
 The late Mr. Jonathan Dymond, of Exeter, in 
 his " Essays, on the Principles of Morality," says, 
 
NAERATIVE. 85 
 
 ** The British and Foreign Bible Society, during 
 the 20 or 30 years that it has existed, has done 
 more direct good to the world — has had a greater 
 effect in meliorating the condition of the human 
 species — than all the measures that have been 
 directed to the same ends, of all the Prime Min- 
 isters in Europe during a century." 
 
 This statement, supported as it is by daily evi- 
 dence, in every part of the world where the scrip- 
 tures have travelled (and they are now, thanks to 
 that society, translated and printed in almost every 
 known tongue), affords a most cheering prospect 
 — and creates a hope, that at no distant period its 
 great moral truths will be implanted and practised 
 in every part of the habitable globe.* 
 
 It has been enquired of me, how it was that we 
 did not make an attempt to join our shipmates on 
 the other island ? This was a subject we several 
 
 * The exertions of the Bible Society, in distributing the 
 Scriptures among Sailors, has tended greatly to improve their 
 morals, and to check swearing aud bfasphemous language, at 
 one period so commonly in use among them ; indeed it was often 
 a boast who could swear the vilest oaths. To take a Bible or a 
 Prayer Book in your hand was sure to bring on you the jeers 
 and ribaldry of all your Messmates, and you were fortunate if 
 you escaped without experiencing some practical joke. Now 
 however, those inclined to be serious, may in general peruse their 
 Bibles without molestation. I am gratified thus to bear evidence 
 of its great benefit in this point of view. It has also led to s 
 much more orderly observance of the sabbath. Those facts I 
 have culled from frequent converse with sailors since my return 
 to England. 
 
 H. 
 
86 goodridge's 
 
 times discussed, and a majority of voices being 
 against it, the others acquiesced. The reasons 
 urged were, that the prevailing winds, being most 
 always to the westward, would have prevented 
 our returning ; we had also nothing on our island 
 but what our shipmates possessed in greater plen- 
 ty ; we also anticipated that they might possibly 
 make a trip to the island we were on, when the 
 wind chanced to blow that way ; but the strongest 
 reason was, the boisterous state of the weather, 
 and the frailty of our boat, which was by no means 
 capable of standing a rough sea. 
 
 To return to my narrative — being settled down 
 into a somewhat more comfortable and regular life, 
 we had leisure to explore the other parts of the 
 island, and to contrive other means for sustenance. 
 
 Great numbers of birds visit these islands. Of 
 the King Penguins* I have before spoken, but their 
 flesh was not good for food. There were three 
 other species of Penguins, named by Southseamen 
 Macaroonys, Johnnys, and Rock Hoppers. The 
 Macaroonys congregate in their rookeries in great 
 numbers, frequently three or four thousand ; they 
 ascend very high up the hills, and form- their nests 
 very roughly among the cliffs and rocks ; they are 
 somewhat larger than a duck — they lay three eggs, 
 
 * My attention has been called to a description of the Pat- 
 agonian Penguin, in No. 293 of the Penny Magazine ; but although 
 the general detail is pretty correct, our long acquaintance gave us 
 a better opportunity of observing the habits of the different 
 species. 
 
NARRATIVE. 87 
 
 two about the size of duck eggs, on which they sit 
 — the other is smaller, and is generally cast out of 
 the nest, and we used to term it the pigeon's egg ; 
 for another kind of bird which frequent these is- 
 lands, almost in every respect resembling a pigeon, 
 make their principal food of eggs in their season, 
 and would rob the nests to procure them, unless 
 they found those cast out eggs, which most com- 
 monly satisfied them till the others by incubation 
 were unfit for food. A similar practice we observed 
 with the Rock Hoppers, but the Johnnys, like 
 the King Penguins, lay only one egg each, unless 
 deprived of them. 
 
 The Johnnys build their nests superior to either 
 of the others, among the long grass, sometimes 
 high up the hills, and sometimes on the plains, 
 but not in very numerous rookeries, seldom more 
 than three or four hundred together. Those 
 birds lay both in winter and summer, and by 
 robbing their nests we kept them laying nearly 
 all the year round. 
 
 We observed, when we robbed those which 
 formed their nests on the plain, that they rebuilt 
 their nests higher up. When we took the eggs of 
 these birds, they would look at us most pitiously 
 making a low moaning noise, as if in great distress 
 at the deprivation, but would exhibit no other 
 kind of resistance ; the King Penguins, however, 
 would frequently strike at us with their flippers, 
 and their blows were rather severe. 
 
88 goodridge's 
 
 The Rock Hoppers form their rookeries at the 
 foot of high hills, and make their nests of stones 
 and turf. They hqp about from rock to rock, from 
 hence they derive their name. This is the only 
 species of Penguin that whistles ; the King Pen- 
 guins, as I before stated, halloo — and the Johnnys 
 and Macaroonys make a sort of yawning noise. 
 
 One kind of bird which proved very valuable to 
 us are called Nellys. They are larger than a goose, 
 and resort to those islands in great numbers. They 
 make burrows in the ground, and were very easily 
 caught. These birds are so ravenous, that after 
 we had killed a Sea Elephant, they would in a few 
 hours completely carry off every particle of flesh 
 we did not make use of, leaving the bones as clean 
 as possible ; but although they were thus useful, 
 they were also very mischievous, for unless we 
 kept a good look out, they would unroof our 
 dwelling for the sake of the skins of the Sea Ele- 
 phants, with which we covered it. These birds 
 congregate about one hundred together, make 
 their nests in the long grass, and lay only one egg 
 each. Their young became very good eating in 
 March, and were highly esteemed by us. We 
 never destroyed the old ones, fearing they would 
 desert the island. The most useful of all the 
 birds, however, which frequented those islands, 
 was the Albatross. This bird is larger than a 
 swan. They built their nests on the plains, and 
 about two hundred in a rookery. They are so 
 
NARRATIVE. $9 
 
 Careful to preserve their nests dry, that if the 
 ground is at all marshy, they raise their nests 
 about two feet high, by digging a trench round, 
 and throwing up the soil in the middle. Some of 
 the old birds grow to a great size ; we have mea- 
 sured their wings spread out at full length, and 
 they have reached twelve feet from tip to tip. 
 They lay about Christmas, only one egg each, but 
 their eggs are very large the shell holding about 
 a pint. Their period of incubation is about three 
 months. The young when hatched are covered 
 with down, and they grow wing-feathered about 
 May ; they were then excellent for the table, and 
 provided us with a very good dish for a long 
 period, as they did not fly off until December. 
 With these also we used to act with prudence, 
 fetching those at the greatest distance in fine 
 weather, and not interfering with those^near home, 
 unless the inclemency of the weather prevented 
 our going far from our hut. On Sundays, as an 
 especial meal, our dinner frequently consisted of 
 giblet soup, prepared from the heads, feet, &c. of 
 the Albatross, which were first scalded in boiling 
 water, and then cooked in our best style, though 
 I expect not quite equal to the cuisine of Mons. 
 Soyer. 
 
 Besides the birds enumerated, there were a 
 great variety of smaller kinds, nearly all of which 
 formed their nests in holes in the earth,* and 
 
 * From the excavations made in the earth by the numerous 
 
 h2. 
 
90 GOODRIDGE*S 
 
 were mostly night birds, so termed from their 
 visiting the land principally at night, to avoid the 
 larger birds, many of which preyed on these smaller 
 ones, more particularly those called Sea Hens, 
 which are about the size of our fowls and are very 
 destructive to the smaller birds, being armed with 
 very sharp claws, and being also very ravenous. 
 These birds also bred on the island, and we made 
 use of both the old ones and the young ones. 
 When taking the young birds, the old ones would 
 dart on us, and if not warded off with a stick, 
 would inflict very severe wounds with their claws ; 
 on some occasions they have darted at us with 
 such force as to impale themselves on a lance or 
 sharp stick that we have held out to keep them off. 
 
 Another description of birds were termed Black 
 Eaglets. They were of the colour and about the 
 size of crows, and made their nest in holes in the 
 earth. About day light the old ones used to fly 
 out to sea, to avoid the attacks of the Sea Hens, 
 and would not return again till dusk. We used 
 to dig out the young ones, which, about March, 
 were of a good size and very fat. 
 
 The smallest birds that visit these islands are 
 about the size of a sparrow, and are called the 
 King Birds, in consequence of their being a match 
 for any of the birds of prey. These King Birds 
 
 birds that formed their nests in it, in some places it became quite 
 feollow, and rather treacherous ground to travel on. 
 
NARRATIVE. 91 
 
 have a beak as sharp as a needle, and when any 
 bird of prey approached them, being very qnick 
 on the wing, they dexterously alighted on its head 
 and by pecking at their foe with their sharp bills, 
 soon caused the enemy to retreat ; and when they 
 had driven them to some distance from their nest, 
 would leave them crying with their wounds. 
 
 The small birds we used to catch by lighting a 
 blazing fire after dark with Sea Elephant's blubber 
 and dried grass, at the foot of some tolerably high 
 cliff; this would attract them in quantities, and 
 they would fly with such force against the rock as 
 to stun themselves, and falling down we obtained 
 a large supply. These consisted of Petrels, Blue 
 Petrels, Black Eaglets, Night Hawks, Divers, 
 and several others.* Besides these we caught 
 Teal or wild ducks ; these used to swim about the 
 small ponds, when moulting, and then, by wading 
 after them, we frequently caught a good supply ; 
 but this was by no means a pleasant sport, as it 
 was only in the cold season that they were nu- 
 merous, and wading up to our middle or deeper, 
 in cold boisterous weather was any thing but 
 agreeable, particularly as our wardrobes did not 
 supply sufficient necessaries for a frequent change. 
 
 * This plan was taught us by some of our crew, who had been 
 voyages to Kergulyan Land and South Georgia, to procure Ele- 
 phant's oil, and were well informed as to the kind of birds fre- 
 quenting the South Sea Islands, their use for food, and the best 
 mode of taking them, 
 
92 goodridge's 
 
 From exposure of this sort I was laid up for 
 some time with a severe attack of rheumatism, 
 which confined me to our hut many days, but my 
 constitution being tolerably good, I soon got about, 
 and was again able to take my share of the general 
 duties. 
 
 Besides the sea birds I have before mentioned, 
 there was a land bird on these islands, which 
 Southseamen call pigeons, which I have before 
 alluded to ; they are quite white, and were so tame 
 at our first landing, that we could easily catch 
 them with our hands, but after a time they became 
 shy, and we were obliged to snare them. This we 
 effected by forming a running noose in some line 
 we had manufactured from the rope yarn saved 
 from the wreck ; then placing some blubber in the 
 loop, the pigeons were enticed within its circle, 
 and by pulling the end we caught them by the 
 legs. 
 
 From the details I have give,' it might be sup- 
 posed that our supply of food was far more abun- 
 dant than we had occasion for, but I must state, 
 that a large part was only to be procured by going 
 to a considerable distance; and the weather in 
 these latitudes, as I have before observed, being 
 extremely wet and tempestuous, it was not at all 
 times that we could go to procure it. Our supply 
 of salt too being very small, we could not preserve 
 a stock on hand, and if, when the weather was 
 fine we obtained an over abundant supply, we had 
 
-NARRATIVE. 93 
 
 no means of preserving it, as we had no supply 
 of salt adequate to that purpose. In making our 
 soup we frequently used a portion of salt water 
 to flavour it; after some time however we set 
 about manufacturing a supply of this valuable 
 and almost indispensible article, one method was 
 to fill our frying pan with salt water, and by 
 keeping it over a fire, evaporate the water and 
 the salt was left at the bottom ; this was however 
 a very tedious process, and it gave us barely 
 sufficient for our culinary purposes, and quite an 
 inadequate supply for preserving a stock of pro- 
 visions ; it indeed required much labour with us 
 "to obtain even salt for our broth." 
 
 I may remind my readers too that there were 
 seven mouths to fill ; and having no grain or 
 vegetables, the quantity of animal food we made 
 use of was much larger than would be conceived 
 by those who have never been deprived of the 
 mucilaginous nourishment derived from bread, 
 potatoes, &c. It will be recollected also, that our 
 continual excursions, in all weathers, gave us 
 rather strong powers of digestion, and our appe- 
 tites were consequently in general pretty sharp- 
 ly set. 
 
 It may not be out of place, to show the danger 
 of our perambulations, to mention two instances 
 in which I had an almost miraculous escape from 
 destruction. The first occurred in the month o f 
 June, 1821. I had been on a foraging excursion 
 
94 goodridge's 
 
 and was returning laden with the skin of a large 
 male Sea Elephant, which I had killed, and which 
 weighed nearly a hundred weight, when I was 
 benighted, and missing my path, I fell with my 
 load over a cliff, about twelve feet high ; fortu- 
 nately the skin was precipitated from my back 
 and falling under me, partly broke my fall ; there 
 being also a quantity of thick grass growing 
 below, I escaped with only a few slight bruises, 
 and reached home in safety. On the following 
 day when I visited the spot, I found that I had 
 had a narrow escape ; for about six feet further 
 to the right, the declivity was more than twenty 
 feet, with a rocky bottom; and where, had I 
 chanced to have fallen, nothing less than a mira- 
 cle could have saved me- 
 
 In the October following, most of us were on a 
 foraging excursion after Macaroony's eggs, when 
 my companion, Jarvis Veale, brother of the com- 
 mander, being a few yards in advance, picked up 
 a Rock Hopper's Egg; and this being rather 
 unusual at so early a period, their time of laying 
 not being till November, he stopped to make some 
 remark, which not hearing for the noise of the 
 Penguins, I stopped to listen, and at that instant, 
 a large portion of rock, weighing several tons, 
 being accidently loosened by some others of our 
 party foraging on a cliff above us, fell with a tre- 
 mendous crash between me and Veale ; and thus 
 was I again most providentially saved. 
 
NARRATIVE. 95 
 
 Such escapes from the very jaws of death, made 
 me often reflect on the kind mercy of that Al- 
 mighty Protector, who, while we were shut out 
 from all human association, except among our- 
 selves, was still present to guard us. 
 
 I may here also mention an accident which 
 occurred to us in the month of July, which had 
 liked to have been a very serious one. We were 
 all asleep except Benjamin Baker, and he being 
 aroused by the smell of fire, arose, and discovered 
 that the wood we had formed into a mantle-piece 
 had by some means ignited, and was making a 
 rapid progress towards the roof of our dwelling. 
 He immediately alarmed us, and we lost no time 
 in pulling down the burning materials, and our 
 water brook being near, we soon extinguished the 
 fire. Our beds being of dried grass, had not 
 Baker been providentially awake, we all stood a 
 good chance of being burnt to death. Again, 
 however, we were preserved, and again it called 
 forth our heartfelt acknowledgments to that Being 
 to whom we had so often been indebted for the 
 preservation of our lives. Had we not stopped 
 the conflagration; our deprivation would have 
 been great ; for we had no other shelter to resort 
 to, as ours was a single house, on a single island ; 
 no insurance office to make good our loss, or to 
 build us another, and very few materials with 
 which to coustruct one ourselves. 
 
 There was another kind of danger to which we 
 
96 goodkidge's 
 
 were exposed, namely, bog-holes ; these were 
 sometimes ten feet over, and eight or ten feet 
 deep, filled with a soft slimy mud ; we conjectured 
 they were formed by the Sea Elephants, near 
 marshy places, as we frequently found these ani- 
 mals in them. When benighted we were obliged 
 to go with great caution to avoid them, as there 
 would have been little chance of our getting out, 
 had we once fallen in. 
 
 Our table utensils were at first very scanty, 
 we however contrived, after some time, to manu- 
 facture some wooden spoons ; and of a keg we 
 had saved, cut in two, we formed a pair of soup 
 tureens, and after this we made some wooden 
 trenchers. With these elegancies we considered 
 ourselves provided with comforts of a superior 
 description. 
 
 When we caught a young Seal, it made us a 
 rare and delicious repast, but they were extremely 
 scarce. Seal skins also, after a few months, were 
 in considerable request with us, for articles of 
 clothing, as those we had when wrecked, were 
 soon worn out, and we had no other resource but 
 Seal Skins to supply ourselves with others. I 
 have before mentioned that I was fortunate enough 
 to save a great coat ; and when my other clothes 
 were entirely worn out, I set to work to manufac- 
 ture this single garment into a suit. We had 
 sharpened a nail so as to make an awl, and the 
 sinews of the Sea Elephant served us for sewing 
 
NARRATIVE. 97 
 
 thread. I took out the lining of my said coat, 
 and this with some contrivance I converted into a 
 shirt ; I then cut off the skirts, and with these I 
 manufactured a pair of trousers, and the upper 
 part served me for a jacket. Thus from one gar- 
 ment I procured both linen and outer clothing; 
 but it may be conjectured that my wardrobe was 
 not a very lasting one, particularly as I had no 
 change ; but I, like other folks who go abroad, 
 kept this suit for my travelling excursions. With 
 my utmost care, however, as my journies were 
 pretty frequent, the weather boisterous, and the 
 roads not M'Adamised, (this term I have learnt 
 since my return,) I could not keep it in wearing 
 trim any length of time, so was obliged to resort 
 at last, with the rest, entirely to a Seal skin cos- 
 tume,* and for more than twelve months I was 
 without even the comfort of a shirt. As we hap- 
 pened to have neither a barber nor razors among 
 us, the addition of long beards, to our Seal skin 
 dresses and fur caps, with a knife and steel stuck 
 in our belt, gave us anything but a pleasing 
 exterior, however, as we had not to come in con- 
 tact with any of the fairer works of Creation, we 
 did not much study our appearance ; and on the 
 
 * See the frontispiece : the birds slung on the sticks are the 
 result of a day's forage ; the birds in the back ground are Pen- 
 guins, and walking erect with their white breasts, have a very 
 pretty appearance. 
 
 I. 
 
98 goodridge's 
 
 whole we formed as grotesque a group as could 
 well be imagined. 
 
 The soil on these islands was principally turf, and 
 would require great labour to bring it into culti- 
 vation ; indeed I consider it would have been 
 impossible to cultivate grain, as there was no fine 
 weather to ripen or to save it. Potatoes and 
 other vegetables might have been grown with 
 some chance of success, but we had none for seed. 
 
 The male Sea Elephants make their regular pe- 
 riodical appearance about the middle of August, 
 and about the latter end of the same month they 
 are up in great numbers, and range themselves 
 along the beach, close to the water's edge. Very 
 severe conflicts frequently took place among them 
 for possession of the beach.* The females come 
 up to have young early in September, and continue 
 to suckle them for about five weeks. When first 
 brought forth, the young are quite black, and their 
 skin beautifully glossy ; this formed our most ap- 
 proved material for caps. All the old female Ele- 
 phants returned to the sea about the middle of 
 October, by which time they would have lost 
 nearly all their fat, in suckling their young. The 
 old male Elephants, and the young ones, would 
 now proceed inland, some as far as two miles, (as 
 
 * We were often spectators at those lights, and according to 
 their* prowess, named the combatants Wellington, Nelson, Blucher, 
 Buonaparte, &c, and by their scars we were enabled to recognize 
 them, when they appeared at different periods. 
 
NARRATIVE. 99 
 
 many as a hundred in a herd) and live together 
 most amicably, till about the beginning of Decem- 
 ber, when both the old ones and the young ones 
 would return to the sea ; the old ones nearly re- 
 duced to skeletons, and the young ones by no 
 means as fat as when they were left by their dams, 
 as they do not make use of any food on shore, and 
 this is rather a long fast. During the time the 
 dams stay with them, the young ones grow ama- 
 zingly, and become of a beautiful silver grey, simi- 
 lar to the Seals. In February the Male Elephants 
 were generally up in great numbers, and in very 
 good condition, and are then termed by South- 
 seamen March Bulls. They lie huddled together 
 in heaps (termed pods) like pigs, but have fre- 
 quently sham fights, which we used to consider 
 their mode of training against the real fights in 
 August. From December till the following Aug., 
 however, the yearling and bull Elephants make 
 these islands so general a resort that they are al- 
 ways to be found and pretty plentifully ; but the 
 periods I have mentioned are those in which they 
 make their more regular visits. 
 
 Previous to our finding the pick-axe, we made 
 a discovery, which was a matter of much conjec- 
 ture among us, and for which we could no way 
 satisfactorily account. I have before said that 
 there was neither tree nor shrub on the island ; 
 but in the course of our foraging excursions, when 
 above a mile from the reach of the tides, we found 
 
100 goodridge's 
 
 several trunks of trees, about fourteen feet long, 
 and from fourteen to eighteen inches through, 
 laying on the ground, as if thrown there by the 
 sea ; the distance from the water, however, ren- 
 dered this impossible — and after our most sage 
 consideration we could not solve the difficulty, as 
 to how they came there. The conclusion we came 
 to was that those islands were produced by some 
 violent convulsion of nature, (the great body of 
 the island being composed of calcarious matter) 
 and that at the period it took place, those trees 
 were floating on the surface of the water, and 
 were thrown up with the volcanic eruption. 
 Should this work be perused by any philosophical 
 readers, they will perhaps smile at this wise con- 
 jecture ; however, if it affords them amusement I 
 shall be content. — Be it as it may, it was a very 
 acceptable boon, (though rather a cumbersome 
 one) as we were at that time much in want of 
 weapons, and the wood being close, heavy and 
 hard made very good clubs; and those we had 
 before in use were many of them broken and 
 disabled by our attacks on the Sea Elephants. 
 To remove such of the trees as we wanted, we 
 were obliged to split them up in several pieces on 
 the spot ; and this we effected by first making a 
 small incision with pieces of iron hoop formed 
 into knives, and then with stone wedges rending 
 them asunder. It may be readily conceived that 
 this was a work of some magnitude and labour, but 
 
NABKAtflVE. 1 01 
 
 what will not necessity and industry accomplish. 
 
 I must now give some account of the party who 
 were left on the other island previous to our being 
 wrecked. I have before stated the reason for our 
 making no attempt to visit them. 
 
 It will be recollected that when we left the seal- 
 ing party on the 10th of March, it was our inten- 
 tion to return and supply them with fresh pro- 
 visions at the end of eight days ; but when, at the 
 expiration of that period, they found that we did 
 not make our appearance, it was feared by them 
 that our vessel had been wrecked — and those 
 fears were corroborated by their perceiving pieces 
 of wreck washed ashore on their island. They 
 now as a matter of course considered that the ves- 
 sel was lost, and that all hands on board had pe- 
 rished. They remained, however, at the spot 
 where we left them for about six weeks ; and at 
 the end of this period, finding their means of living 
 very scanty, they removed to another part of the 
 island, where the means of providing for their 
 stomachs were more plentiful. Their course of 
 living was so much in accordance with ours, which 
 I have before described, that it would be a useless 
 repetition to state it. At the latter end of the 
 year, in December, 1821, finding the seals very 
 scarce, and other provisions scanty, they deter- 
 mined on visiting the island on which we were 
 thrown, but without the least expectation of find- 
 ing any remnants of the vessel, much less of meet- 
 I 2. 
 
102 goovkid&e'q 
 
 ing those they had long considered buried in the 
 ocean. 
 
 They started in their boat very early on the 
 13th of the month, and reached our island about 
 ten o'clock the same morning, fortunately landing 
 in the very cove we had chosen for our residence, 
 and the joy of all hands on meeting can much 
 better be conceived than described. After some 
 few days spent in mutual congratulations and en- 
 quiries, we entered into arrangements for our fu- 
 ture conduct. The size of our hut, being built 
 only to accommodate seven, it of course required 
 contrivance and management to render it capable 
 of accommodating fifteen. We had to make a 
 new arrangement of sleeping places, of seats, &c> 
 and then were obliged to stow ourselves tolerably 
 close when all hands were at home. 
 
 The party had brought with them their kettle, 
 frying pan, a bag of nails, hammer, and other im- 
 plements, which added considerably to our stock 
 of necessaries, and we continued to live together 
 for a time.* 
 
 It happened that one of the sealing party, when 
 they went ashore, had taken a bible with him, 
 which on some previous occasion had been pre- 
 sented to him by the Bible Society, and this book 
 had also proved as valuable a friend to them, as 
 
 * The nails and hammer are a necessary appendage to a Sealing 
 party, as the boats frequently receive damage in landing on the 
 rough beaches, in heavy surfs ; and sealing vessels always take a 
 supply of boards for repairing the boats in case of accident. 
 
NARRATIVE. 103 
 
 that given by Captain Cox had been to us ; this 
 was indeed a most delightful coincidence, may 
 I not say a merciful providence; and how 
 much did it add to our joy of meeting, that a 
 unity of sentiment on the subject of our religious 
 exercises prevailed among us all, and that our daily 
 reading was by no means interrupted, but rather 
 more strongly enforced, by the addition to our 
 number; more particularly having him to join us 
 who was before a scoffer, but now a lover of 
 truth, and a believer in Christ.* When I repeat 
 that the boisterous state of the weather would 
 sometimes confine us to our hut for two or three 
 days together, the comfort afforded by such a 
 resource will be much more fully conceived ; and 
 several now read the sacred Scriptures with 
 pleasure and profit who had scarcely looked into a 
 Bible since the period they had left school. 
 
 With what self-gratulation may the contributors 
 to the British and Foreign, or the Seaman's Bible 
 Society read these simple facts ; not in the spirit 
 of self-pride, for the end was in the hand of a 
 mightier Being, but in a spirit of humble thank- 
 fulness that the means to which they had been per- 
 mitted to lend their aid, had been so fruitful in 
 blessings to those so far out of the reach of all 
 
 * At page 82, the conversion of the party alluded to, Matthias 
 Mazora, is given ; he was one of the sealing party, and it was 
 on their island the circumstance took place. It was after they 
 joined us that I learnt the particulars, and was witness to his 
 anxiety for scriptural knowledge. 
 
104 GOODRIt>GE 9 S 
 
 other relief from their fellow-creatures. This is a 
 species of charity, which extendeth not only to 
 the utmost parts of the earth, but will last to the 
 end of time,- — nay, even to eternity. Its benefits 
 are beyond human calculation — infinity only can 
 trace them. Much more might be added — but I 
 confine myself to these few remarks, elicited by 
 truths which came under my notice ; and which I 
 trust will be acceptable to my readers. 
 
 To return to my Narrative— there being now 
 fifteen of us, we soon found that our utmost exer- 
 tions, at this season, were scarcely sufficient to 
 provide us with the means of sustenance; we 
 were therefore obliged to exert our ingenuity for 
 further supplies, and our attention was drawn to 
 the sea to furnish them. Soon after our settle- 
 ment on the island we occasionally had recourse 
 to a fish diet, but the fish had become too shy for 
 us to take them in*the way we had before done. 
 Our mode of fishing was certainly a novel one : — 
 one party used to take long strips of the Sea Ele- 
 phant's blubber, and putting one end close to the 
 water, a fish resembling a Grurnet would come and 
 nibble at it, and then by drawing it gently up the 
 sloping rocks, the fish would follow it far enough 
 for another person watching his opportunity to 
 strike it a smart blow with a club, and thus knock 
 it sufficiently far up the rock to enable him to 
 secure it. They had, however, in course of time, 
 become so shy, that they were not to be taken in 
 
NARRATIVE. 105 
 
 this way, and we were obliged to have recourse 
 to a more scientific method ; for this purpose we 
 took out the rings that were attached to our 
 sharpening steels, and having sufficiently heated 
 them in the fire, we bent them into the shape of 
 fishing hooks, and then gave them good points 
 with the sharpening stone we so fortunately found 
 in digging where the previous visitors to the island 
 had formed their hut. Having now fishing hooks, 
 our next affair was to manufacture lines, and this 
 we soon managed by untwisting portions of the 
 cordage we had saved from the wreck, and by 
 retwisting the oakum into small threads, and those 
 again into cord Ave were fully equipped to make 
 war on the finny tribe ; the blubber also forming 
 a very enticing bait, we had soon a plentiful sup- 
 ply ; and fish, flesh, and fowl frequently smoked 
 on our board at one meal — even an epicure could 
 have found but little fault with a dinner, where 
 two of the courses were soup and fish. 
 
 I have before mentioned that we had found on 
 the island a plant resembling a cabbage in appear- 
 ance, but so bitter that we could not make use of 
 it; our companions, on the other island, either 
 using more sagacity, or more patience, had found 
 in it a very useful vegetable ; for by boiling it for 
 three or four hours, it became quite sweet, — so 
 now it was proved that Hooper's report as to its 
 being good for food was correct, — it was the mode 
 of cooking only that he had forgotten, (see page 79) 
 
106 goodridge's 
 
 By this information another addition was made to 
 our bill of fare — and one too which, to us, so long 
 deprived of vegetable diet, was indeed a rich 
 delicacy, and made in our soup a considerable im- 
 provement. 
 
 The chance of any vessel coming to our rescue 
 becoming apparently every day less and less, after 
 the whole of us had been together about a month, 
 it was proposed that we should attempt to con- 
 struct a vessel, in the hope of being able to effect 
 our deliverance. 
 
 Previous to this, and before we all again met, 
 the chance of our ever being released from our sea- 
 girt prison seemed so remote and impossible, that 
 we had seriously resolved on the steps that should 
 be pursued as we individually departed this life. 
 Our burial place had been chosen, and as decent 
 a funeral for each as our means afforded, was pro- 
 mised by the survivors ; though a general wish 
 was expressed by each, that he might not be the 
 last who would have to perform this melancholy 
 duty.* The junction of our parties, however, gave 
 a renewed spring to our energies, and after calcu- 
 lating the materials we possessed, we considered 
 that our intended vessel might be made about 
 twenty-nine feet long, and about twelve tons 
 burthen, and we determined that she should be 
 
 * Hooper frequently declared that should it be his misfortune 
 to outlive his companions, he should prefer death by starvation, 
 to such a solitude, and that this would certainly be his fate. 
 
NARRATIVE. 107 
 
 lugger-rigged. The plans and specifications, after 
 being duly weighed and considered, were agreed 
 on unanimously ; and we immediately set about 
 the necessary preparations for commencing this 
 arduous undertaking. 
 
 I have stated that we had dug up a quantity of 
 timber, old iron, nails, &c, from the remains of 
 a hut erected by some Americans about sixteen 
 years before ;f and there were also traces of some 
 huts built by them in the other island ; it was, 
 therefore, determined that a party of eleven should 
 go over to the other island, for the purpose of dig- 
 ging up what timber might chance to be trodden 
 into the ground there ; and also to collect Seal 
 skins, of which we intended to form our sails, 
 They accordingly went, and in about a month re- 
 turned, bringing with them the skins they had 
 collected and prepared, the timber they had found, 
 and also a tripot,* they had dug up. Our carpen- 
 ter now reported that we should have materials 
 enough for the proposed work, and we set about 
 the preliminaries directly. 
 
 t We ascertained the period by finding some tallies of skins 
 obtained by them, on which the date 1 805, &c, was cut ; and at 
 this period it appeared that the Seals were in great plenty, for 
 their tallies were very numerous ; we found many even in our 
 cursory search. 
 
 * This is a vessel holding about thirty gallons, and used by 
 South -Seamen in procuring oil from the blubber of the Sea Ele- 
 phants. 
 
108 goodridge's 
 
 Out of some iron hoops, we by much labour and 
 considerable ingenuity, manufactured some saws, 
 an almost indispensible article in ship-building : 
 our carpenter also contrived several other tools, 
 though none of them calculated to forward our 
 work with much speed, as they were none of the 
 best, being principally manufactured out of the 
 old iron bolts, procured as I have before stated 
 from the wreck of our vessel, beat out with our 
 solitary hammer, on a stone anvil, after being 
 duly heated. 
 
 We soon found from the supply of provisions 
 we could obtain, that it was necessary we should 
 divide, and five of us, including myself, Captain 
 Veale, his brother Jarvis Veale, John Soper, and 
 Dominick Spesinick, proceeded to the other island 
 to seek a livelihood there. We were provided 
 with a share of the necessaries, among which was 
 the piece of the broken pitch pot, which had 
 served for a frying pan, &c. We also took with 
 us the Bible which had belonged to one of the 
 crew, leaving the other with our companions. 
 
 Six of our companions accompanied us in the 
 boat to the other island, and remained with us 
 while we constructed ourselves a dwelling, and 
 this was effected as much as possible without 
 the use of wood, and then having collected all the 
 spare timber, they left us to return to the building 
 of the vessek 
 
 When these six had returned to the other 
 
NARRATIVE. 109 
 
 four the ten who were at work in the vessel pro- 
 ceeded to construct another house of stones and 
 turf only, as the wood used in the first was re- 
 quired for the ship-building ; and this dwelling, 
 when it was finished, had at least the appearance 
 of more comfort, for they formed three chimneys 
 in it, but from some misconstruction they would 
 not draw, it is not unlikely that it was two too 
 many ; and that if they had been contented with 
 one chimney, it would have effected what was in- 
 tended ; as it was, a hole for the escape of the 
 smoke was obliged to be made in the gable end ; 
 and they were soured enough with a smoky house, 
 though far removed from scolding wives. After 
 the new habitation was completed, the old one was 
 pulled down, the place were it stood cleared, as 
 the most convenient spot for building the vessel, 
 and here the keel (formed of the top-mast we had 
 saved from the wreck) was laid down. 
 
 It had been agreed, that when completed, five 
 of our party, to be chosen by lot, should proceed 
 to sea in her, in the hope either of meeting with 
 some vessel, or of reaching some habitable part of 
 the globe, and thereby be the means of rescuing 
 the remainder. When it is considered that these 
 islands are situated in the midst of the Southern 
 Ocean, that we had neither compass, quadrant, or 
 chart, it must certainly appear a forlorn hope ; 
 however, we determined to make the attempt, 
 trusting to that Power which hitherto had so 
 
110 goodridge's 
 
 kindly watched over us, and who alone could he 
 our guide on such a desperate voyage. 
 
 The tripot which we found was now put in re- 
 quisition for the manufacture of salt, upon a larger 
 scale than we had before the means of using, 
 which was effected as I stated before, by filling 
 it with salt water, and boiling it till the water 
 was evaporated, when the salt remained at the 
 bottom. This salt was required for curing the 
 bull Elephant's tongues, which were intended to 
 serve as a sea stock of provisions for the party 
 who should sail in the vessel, when completed. 
 
 Being now settled in our new colony, at least 
 for a time, and being somewhat more expert than 
 at first in catering, we agreed to take it by turns 
 to search for food, always keeping the Sabbath as 
 a day of rest, and devoted to reading the Scrip- 
 tures and other religious exercises. These latter 
 consisted of conversations on different parts of 
 scripture ; for either from diffidence, or a lack of 
 words to express our feelings, we had no set 
 prayers, nor did any one more than another set 
 himself up as a teacher. The thoughts of our 
 hearts and our inward communings were our only 
 addresses to our Maker.* 
 
 * The Sabbath among sailors is too often converted into a day 
 of riot and drunkenness ; but in this a great improvement has 
 been effected, since the establishment of Bethel ships, and the 
 spread of the scriptures. The ill-consequences of the abuse of 
 the sabbath I have often been a witness to ; and not the least 
 
NARRATIVE. Ill 
 
 Shortly after I had been on this island, the 
 remnants of my suit of clothes, manufactured 
 from my great coat, became totally unfit for use, 
 notwithstanding all my care and patchwork ; so I 
 was obliged to set to to make some garments, 
 from the skins of pup Elephants and Seals, 
 and although my tailoring might not have 
 satisfied a lounger of Bond-street, it was at least 
 a novel costume ; and I can assure my readers 
 that it needed some contrivance. Our mode of 
 sewing I have before alluded to, and it was rather 
 a tedious process. Stay-tape and buckram we 
 dispensed with, and our stitching was not perhaps 
 the most exquisite. For buttons, we used pieces 
 of wood, of about an inch long, tapered at each 
 end, with a notch cut round the middle to hold 
 the fastening ; and in this way we prepared our 
 wardrobes. My greatest difficulty was in provid- 
 ing for linen; I however attempted to act the 
 sempstress, and made myself a shirt from the 
 skins of young Seals ; but the laborious exercise 
 we underwent in travelling for food, causing pro- 
 fuse perspiration, and the skins not having under- 
 gone any preparation, they soon became rotten, 
 so I did not resume my plain work, but contented 
 myself without any substitute for linen, and had 
 
 striking instance, was that which occurred to myself and fellow 
 shipmates at Lisbon (see page 40). 
 
112 goodridge's 
 
 none from that time till the period of our final 
 deliverance. 
 
 As one of our boats was ripped up to line the 
 vessel, we had none where I was now located on 
 the island, so we had no opportunity of visiting 
 our companions during the progress of their la- 
 bour, and they were too much engaged in their 
 several occupations to be enabled to spend any 
 time in visits of etiquette ; we held no communi- 
 cation with them, therefore, during the period 
 their work was in progress ; and the time conse- 
 quently hung very heavy on us, at least those 
 hours not devoted to the supply of our natural 
 wants ; and had we not that most cheering of all 
 resources, the Scriptures, despair would in all pro- 
 bability have taken possession of our minds, 
 harassed as we were by delayed hopes, numerous 
 fears, and idle conjectures ; and much did we envy 
 those who were engaged in the building of the 
 vessel. 
 
 To enumerate the various shifts to which they 
 were put, and the contrivances they resorted to in 
 the course of their ship-building, would, I fear,, 
 too much lengthen my pages ; but when the pau- 
 city of their tools is considered, the ill assorted 
 nature of their materials conjectured, and the 
 unskilfulness of most of the labourers taken into 
 account, it will not be wondered at, even with 
 every incentive that the hope of deliverance pre- 
 
NABRATIVE. 113 
 
 rented, that it was not until the following Janu- 
 ary, 1823, that the vessel was in a fit state for 
 launching. The building of her commenced early 
 in the year 1822, so that she was more than nine 
 months in constructing, but which with proper 
 tools and materials might have been effected by 
 one ship carpenter m two months. 
 
 During this period, also, it will be remembered 
 they had to manufacture the salt, and to cure the 
 necessary provisions for the proposed voyage. 
 Numerous also were the impediments our com- 
 panions experienced, sometimes from wet weather, 
 at others from the breaking of a tool, or the want 
 of some almost indispensible article which we had 
 not at first calculated on, but which as they pro- 
 ceeded, became obvious- Their ingenuity was 
 constantly on the rack to supply those deficiencies; 
 but time and perseverance surmounted every ob- 
 stacle. The want of pitch and oakum was much 
 felt ; for the former they had no substitute, for the 
 latter they used Seal fur, mixed with Albatross 
 down. The rigging was made from the ropes 
 taken on shore by the sealing party, and which 
 are used by persons in such employ, to raft off 
 the Seal-skins procured to the boat, as the surf on 
 the beaches prevents their landing to load, either 
 with safety or convenience. 
 
 By the beginning of January the vessel was 
 
 completed by our ten companions who remained 
 k2. 
 
114 goodridge's 
 
 at the other island ; and they had equipped heT 
 with sails of Seal-skin, and other necessaries 5 
 they had also formed vessels for taking a stock 
 of fresh water, from the skins of pup Elephants ; 
 and water, salt tongues, and Penguin eggs, were 
 the only provisions that could be provided. A 
 party of seven then came over to us, in order that 
 we might return with them to assist in launching 
 her, and to cast lots which five should venture on 
 this ahnost hopeless voyage. 
 
 Two years had now nearly rolled over our 
 heads, since we were wrecked; and this period, 
 marked as it was by privations and anxieties, ap- 
 peared three times as protracted as any other 
 period of my life. 
 
 When the party landed we were from home, 
 and dispersed in different directions seeking for 
 .provender, and they had to search for us. This 
 occupied so much time that before we were all 
 collected it was too late to make the return voy- 
 age that day. The next day a violent gale of 
 wind sprung up, and our boat being hauled up in 
 an exposed situation, the wind took her, and 
 carried her to a distance of seventy yards, and so 
 damaged her that she was rendered unseaworthy, 
 her stern being completely beat in. Although 
 the boats used in those voyages are not heavy, yet 
 this will give some idea of the force of the winds 
 on those islands, and of the nature of the storms 
 
NARRATIVE. 115 
 
 we frequently had to encounter, and that too, in 
 many instances, when we were some miles from 
 our domicile. 
 
 This accident threw a great damp on our spirits, 
 as we were very destitute of materials wherewith 
 to repair the damage, and should we be enabled to 
 succeed ingoing so, it would require many days 
 to complete it. The ways of Providence, how- 
 ever are wonderful, and past finding out, for when 
 the greatest disasters befal us, then it is that the 
 hand of the Almighty is stretched out to help 
 and save us ; and in the strength and wisdom of 
 the Lord we are shown our own weakness and 
 ignorance. Without tools, and with but very in- 
 different means, we toiled many days to render 
 our boat sea- worthy, and about the 21st of the 
 month had so far effected our purpose, that we 
 determined to return on the following day. About 
 noon, however, while most of us were busily em- 
 ployed in preparing for our meal, in scalding the 
 skin of a bull elephant, with some flippers, &c, 
 Dominick Spesinick, who was an elderly man, 
 left us to take a walk ; he proceeded to a high 
 point of land, about three parts of a mile distant 
 from our hut, the moment he reached it, he saw a 
 vessel passing round the next point. He imme- 
 diately came running towards us apparently in 
 great agitation, and when he approached, for some 
 time he could do nothing but gesticulate, excess 
 of joy having completely deprived him of the 
 
116 goodridge's 
 
 power of utterance. Capt. Veale, who was with 
 us, not comprehending his meaning, asked what 
 the foolish fellow was at? He having by this 
 time a little recovered himself, told us that he had 
 certainly seen a vessel pass round a point of the 
 island, and named the direction she was steering. 
 We had so often been deceived by the appearance 
 of large birds sitting on the water, which we had 
 mistaken, for vessels at a distance, that we were 
 slow to believe his story ; he however affirmed it 
 with so much earnestness, that in accordance with 
 his suggestion, it was agreed that one of the 
 party, John Soper, should go with him, taking a 
 direction across ths island, so that they might, if 
 possible intercept the vessel, if there really was 
 one steering in the direction be had stated ; and 
 being supplied with a tinder-box, in order to 
 make a fire, to attract the notice of the crew, 
 should they gain sight of her, off they started. 
 
 The hours passed very slowly away during their 
 absence, and when night approached and they had 
 not returned, a thousand conjectures were started 
 to account for their stay. Some suggested that, 
 having seen the vessel, they had got on board, 
 and had left those remaining to their fate ; others 
 more charitably concluded, that being worn out 
 in pursuing what was doubtless only a phantom 
 of the old man's brain, had been unable to return 
 from fatigue, but that morning would bring them 
 back with bitter disappointment. Morning at 
 
NARRATIVE. 117 
 
 length came, after a tedious night — not one of us 
 had enjoyed what might be called repose — some 
 had not closed their eyes, whilst the others who 
 had caught a few minutes sleep, had been disturbed 
 by frightful dreams, and awakened only to hear 
 the sighings of disappointed hopes, and dire fore- 
 bodings, that we were doomed to drag out our ex- 
 istence without the least chance of deliverance. 
 
 To return to our two companions who had gone 
 in search of the vessel, they had indeed been for- 
 tunate enough to reach that part of the island in 
 which she was still in sight ; and by finding the 
 remains of a Sea Elephant that had been recently 
 killed, they ascertained that the crew had been on 
 shore, and they hastened to kindle a fire; but 
 finding they could not attract the attention of 
 those in the vessel from the beach, they proceeded 
 with all haste to ascend a hill in the direction she 
 was still steering. Spesinick however became ex- 
 hausted, partly by fatigue, and partly by his over- 
 excited feelings, and was unable to go any fur- 
 ther. Soper went on, but seeing the vessel pro- 
 ceeding, he sunk on the ground in despair. He 
 however again rose, but had to descend into a 
 valley before he could gain another elevated spot 
 to make a signal from. Spesinick, returning to 
 the beach where they had kindled the fire, to his 
 great joy he saw a boat from the vessel coming on 
 shore. The crew had reached the beach before 
 Spesinick got to it, but his voice had been drowned 
 
118 goodridge's 
 
 by the noise of a rookery of Macarooneys he had 
 disturbed on the hill. Seeing the fire, the smoke 
 of which had first attracted their attention, they 
 of course were convinced that there were human 
 beings on the island, and had commenced a 
 search ; in the interim Spesinick had made for the 
 boat, which they had hauled up out of the surf, 
 and having reached it he clung to it in a fit of 
 desperate joy, that gave him the appearance of a 
 savage maniac ; and the crew on returning after 
 what had appeared to them a vain search, found 
 him in such questionable guise, that they hailed 
 him lustily before they approached. Dressed in 
 shaggy fur skins, with cap of the same material, 
 and beard of nearly two year's growth, it was not 
 probable they should take him for a civilized being. 
 They soon however became better acquainted, 
 and he gave them an outline of the shipwreck, 
 the number of men on the island, and that his 
 companion Soper was not far off. 
 
 The vessel proved to be an American schooner, 
 called the Philo, Isaac Perceval, master, on a seal- 
 ing and trading voyage. 
 
 Soper being still unaware of the boat having 
 gone on shore, as it must have done so while he 
 was crossing the valley, on coming to a place 
 where, on a foraging excursion, we had erected a 
 shelter at the opening of a cave, he set the place 
 on fire, and the boat which had returned with 
 Spesinick put off and took him on board also, 
 
NARRATIVE. 119 
 
 much to his joy" and gratification. By this time it 
 was near dark, and too late to send or make any 
 communication to us that evening, but on the 
 following morning, January 22, the captain of the 
 schooner sent his boat to fetch off the remaining 
 ten. It being however eight miles from our re- 
 sidence, where our companions got on board, it 
 took some time for the boat to reach the place, it 
 was therefore past ten o'clock in the forenoon be- 
 fore she came in sight of us. 
 
 We had by this time almost given up all hopes 
 of our expected deliverance, and had gone to a 
 neighbouring King Penguin rookery, to gather all 
 the eggs we could collect, to take over to the other 
 island, as part of a sea stock for those on whom 
 the lot should fall to attempt our rescue in our 
 new-built vessel, as there were no King Penguin 
 rookeries on the other island. 
 
 Shortly after ten, a shout from one of our com- 
 panions (Millechant) aroused our attention, and 
 we soon perceived the American schooner's boat 
 coming round the point. Down went the eggs, 
 some capered, some ran, some shouted, and all in 
 one way or other expressed an extravagance of joy, 
 and three loud cheers from us were quickly an- 
 swered by those in the boat. 
 
 Scarcely a month during the year was it suffici- 
 ently smooth for a boat to land on the beach ad- 
 joining the rookery where we were collecting eggs, 
 but at this time it was perfectly calm ; and on the 
 
120 goodridge's 
 
 boat nearing the land, we all rushed into the water 
 up to our middle, and taking hold of her on each 
 side, run her up the sand, high and dry, crew^and 
 all 
 
 Here I cannot help breaking off in my narrative 
 to remark on the providential nature of our succour. 
 The damage done to our boat, had, as I have be- 
 fore remarked, caused us much distress, but now 
 how different were our views of the accident; 
 that which we had deemed the greatest evil that 
 could have befallen us, had proved the very means 
 of our rescue from these desolate islands; and 
 that which we had looked upon as almost a death 
 blow to our hopes, had proved through Divine 
 Providence, the greatest blessing; for had our 
 boat not been damaged, our return to the other 
 island would have followed as a matter of course ; 
 and in all probability we should never have seen 
 the vessel that now proved the means of our de- 
 liverance, and we might have continued to linger 
 on an existence, lost to our native land, and 
 mourned as dead by our relatives and friends. 
 How vain then, and even sinful, are too frequently 
 our murmurings at the Divine will ! How short- 
 sighted and ignorant are our complaints when our 
 weak purposings are frustrated. Where then is 
 our boasted wisdom ? where the exercise of those 
 reasoning powers with which we are endowed! 
 " The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his mas- 
 ter's crib," but we, in the plentitude of our self- 
 
NARRATIVE. 121 
 
 knowledge, and in the pride of our own sagacity, 
 fail to distinguish the hand of our all powerful, all 
 wise, and all merciful Lord; forgetting that we 
 are his creatures, and under his protecting care, 
 and that all things work together for good, to 
 those who believe in Him. 
 
 To resume my story. In the schooner's boat, 
 besides our two companions, were the first officer 
 or chief mate, Mr. Hopkins, of Boston, and five of 
 the crew of the schooner; and this officer, on 
 learning from us that it was the wish of all to leave 
 the island, requested us to get together whatever 
 things we wished to take with us ; and which ha- 
 ving done, he took us all in the boat, and returned 
 with us to the vessel.* 
 
 When on board the Captain treated us very 
 kindly, and gave us some refreshment, and this 
 was the first time we had tasted bread for near 
 two years. Being so long unused to such food, 
 and partly perhaps from the effect of some spiritsf 
 
 *Capt. Tanner, of the Indian Navy, resident at Exeter, after 
 perusing my Narrative, told me he considered the arrival of 
 the vessel most Providential for us, for he recollected, that when 
 abroad in 1 823, a vessel had been cast away on the island of 
 Tristan D'Acunha, and the crew having contrived to build a boat 
 caulking her with seal fur and albatross down, a portion of them 
 embarked in her, but they were not out of sight of the island 
 before she foundered, and all on board perished. 
 
 t During the whole of the time we were on the Islands, we of 
 course had no other drink but water ; we were consequently a 
 "Total Abstinence Society" from necessity; and although our 
 
122 goodridgb's 
 
 he also gave us, it made me so extremely ill, that 
 I began to fear I had only escaped from deso- 
 lation to meet death ; however, I soon recovered, 
 and on the following day, being the 23rd, the Cap- 
 tain steered for the other island, bnt as we neared 
 it at a distance from the cove where our three 
 companions where remaining, they did not see her 
 approach, and on our coming in sight of them in 
 the schooner's boat, they considered it was our 
 boat returned with all hands to assist in the launch 
 of the vessel, and this caused them considerable 
 joy, for the long period the boat had been away 
 had created many conjectures, not knowing how 
 to account for its protracted stay ; their joy, how- 
 ever, was much more increased, when they per- 
 ceived that she was a stranger; and it arose to 
 its full height, when they learnt that the Captain 
 of the American had consented to take us all 
 
 £ *" on board his ship. They soon collected together 
 what seal skins we had saved, and all the other 
 materials we deemed necessary to take with us, 
 
 r^** and we all fifteen again met together on board 
 the vessel, in good health and I need scarcely 
 add, in good spirits. Indeed our health had been 
 generally good throughout the time we had been 
 on the islands, except occasionally, when from 
 the oily nature of our food, our bowels became 
 affected, and then a dose of salt water pretty 
 
 labour was sometimes excessive, we certainly did not experience 
 any ill effects from the want of stronger drink. 
 
NARRATIVE. 123 
 
 generally set us to rights again. On one occa- 
 sion, however, Jarvis Veale was attacked with a 
 cutaneous complaint, of a very peculiar nature. 
 Red Pimples first appeared on his skin, in small 
 patches, and afterwards spread all over his body, 
 causing him most excruciating pain. These pim- 
 ples subsequently turned purple, afterwards lost 
 their colour, and went off in a dry scurf. An 
 application to the contents of our usual medicine 
 chest (i. e. salt water) was his resource, and by 
 drinking a considerable quantity every other mor- 
 ning for about ten days, he quite recovered. I was 
 next attacked with a similar complaint, and it was 
 feared that it was contagious, and would spread 
 through all hands. I resorted to the same remedy 
 as Veale, and with similar success, and whether it 
 was really contagious or not I will leave to be 
 disputed by the doctors, and if they disagree, why 
 let them, I will not pretend to decide the contro- 
 versy. I had made Veale's complainings a source 
 of amusement before I was myself attacked ; but 
 he had his laugh in turn, for a more painful visita- 
 tion I never experienced ; indeed the pain caused 
 by the eruption was almost unbearable, though 
 apparently it was little more than a trifling rash. 
 I did not go on shore to see the vessel our com- 
 panions had built, so can only speak of her from 
 the description given me by those who had been 
 engaged on the work, and who reported her as 
 being a very tidy craft, taking into account the 
 
124 GOODRIDGE ? S 
 
 limited means they could command for her build- 
 ing and fitting ; and it was with some regret that 
 they left her on the stocks. Should it, however, 
 happen, that any other unfortunate crew like 
 °urselves, should be thrown on this desolate spot, 
 it will, while in existence, serve as a memento of 
 our industry and perseverance, and perhaps 
 inspire them with a similar spirit. 
 
 On the day following that on which we embark- 
 ed on board the vessel, Capt. Perceval made up 
 his mind to visit the islands of Amsterdam and 
 St. Paul, in the Indian Ocean, and which are about 
 1100 miles to the north east of the Crozets. 
 
 The day of departure now arrived, and after re- 
 maining on those islands one year, ten months, 
 and five days, we bade them adieu, — shall I say 
 with great joy ? certainly ; and yet I felt a mix- 
 ture of regret. Whether it arose from the per- 
 yerseness of my nature, or from any other cause, 
 I must leave to those more capable of tracing the 
 workings of human feelings, I can only say so it 
 was. We all however felt the pleasure of hope, 
 and already, in anticipation, we were enjoying a 
 meeting with our friends and relatives, though to 
 some of us those hopes were never realized, and to 
 others, among them myself, many years elapsed 
 before we again visited the land of our fathers, or 
 the place of our birth. 
 
 The intention of the American captain, in going 
 to the Islands I have named, was to procure Seal- 
 
NARRATIVE. 125 
 
 skins and fish, the latter being extremely plenty 
 around their shores, and the Seals were also sup- 
 posed to be numerous. He solicited us to assist 
 him in sealing and fishing, and then promised that 
 he would take us to the Isle of France, to which 
 we readily agreed. 
 
 We arrived off these islands on the 3rd of Feb- 
 ruary, and in the usual manner commenced the 
 business of sealing and fishing, and our endeavours 
 here for the American Captain were much more 
 successful than our labours on the Crozets, the 
 Seals being much more plentiful, though not 
 equal in quality, the fur not being near so thick. 
 The coast abounding with fish, and finding it was 
 likely to repay him for his trouble and delay, he 
 continued at St. Paul's and at Amsterdam until the 
 1st of April, which was a month longer than the 
 time he had named as his intended stay ; we how- 
 ever continued to labour for him very assiduously, 
 and in this period had collected about 5000 Seal- 
 skins, and 300 quintals of fish. It was while at 
 this island, on the 14th of February, that I, with •• 
 the others, first got disencumbered of our beards, 
 the weather being now warmer, but we still felt 
 the cold considerably in consequence of our loss. 
 
 In the latter end of March, Soper and Newbee 
 
 expressed a desire to remain on one of the islands, 
 
 Amsterdam, to seal and fish for themselves, and 
 
 to take the chance of any other vessel that might 
 
 touch there, those islands being situated in the 
 l 2. 
 
126 GOODRIDGE% 
 
 direct track of all ships going from the Cape of 
 Good Hope to New South Wales, or Van Die- 
 man's Land. To this the Captain agreed, with the 
 proviso that they would sign a document, stating 
 that it was by their own desire they were so left, 
 and they were in consequence left on the island of 
 Amsterdam, in which there is a bar harbour and 
 convenient landing. 
 
 This island contains an immense crater of & 
 volcano, and in the neighbourhood of this crater 
 there were several fresh water mineral springs con- 
 tinually boiling, in which any food requiring to be 
 dressed might be cooked with very little trouble 9 
 and without the use of a kettle. This was con- 
 venient, as there were no Sea Elephants on these 
 islands, and consequently no stock of blubber for 
 firing, and there being no wood on Amsterdam 
 island, their fuel consisted only of turf. The soil 
 in this island was good, and there were also wild 
 hogs on it in great plenty. 
 
 The Captain of the schooner having taken on 
 board a supply of water at Amsterdam, for his 
 voyage to the Isle of France, set sail on the 25th 
 of March, for the Island of St. Paul, where we 
 arrived on the following day, and the vessel re- 
 mained off this island till the 1st of April, taking 
 on board a quantity of wood, with some hogs, for 
 a sea stock. On this day a very serious quarrel 
 took place between our mate, Mazora, and the 
 eaptain of the schooner, in consequence of the 
 
NARRATIVE. 127 
 
 former having complained to one of the crew, of 
 the American Captain's conduct, in not providing 
 us with any clothing, notwithstanding we had la- 
 boured so assiduously for him, adding a threat 
 that he would report him to the authorities at the 
 Isle of France on our arrival. This being stated 
 to the Captain of the schooner, he declared that 
 Mazora should not remain in his vessel, and or- 
 dered him to be put on shore on the Island of 
 St. Paul. This caused a great sensation in the 
 ship, and words arose so high, that I almost feared 
 a mutiny by our hands would have been the con- 
 sequence, and as we were the strongest party, al- 
 though rather less in number, the result to the 
 American's crew might have proved serious, and 
 it might also have placed us ultimately in an awk- 
 ward predicament ; it ended however in nine of us 
 declaring, that if the Captain of the schooner would 
 not alter his determination, we would accompany 
 Mazora on shore, and remain with him on the 
 island ; for, having suffered so long together, we 
 were resolved not to leave him to pine in solitude, 
 or perhaps to perish without a companion or a 
 friend. These islands too as I have before stated, 
 being in the direct course of numerous vessels, 
 there was little doubt of our being taken off' by 
 some other ship, at no very distant period, and 
 having experienced the hardship of a desolate 
 island when we had many to share our trials, we 
 were determined a single individual should not be 
 
128 goodridge's 
 
 left to pine alone, although the period might be 
 ever so short ; I may add, that Mazora, being the 
 individual whose conduct had undergone so great 
 a change, after he was brought to a belief in the 
 truth of the scriptures, we perhaps looked on him 
 with even more affection, as being now our brother 
 in Christianity as well as in suffering. 
 
 The Captain kept his word, and we kept ours, 
 and ten of us went on shore again to cope with 
 the difficulties and privations which such a situa- 
 tion presented, and three only remained in the 
 schooner. These three were Capt. Veale, his 
 brother, Jarvis Veale, and Petherbridge. The 
 American captain gave us a cask of bread and 
 some other necessaries. 
 
 The resolution we had taken may appear sur- 
 prising to my readers, but it will be recollected 
 that a little delay was the only privation we were 
 likely to feel, as we had not procured any great 
 addition to our comforts. We had not received 
 even a supply of clothes, had laboured unceasingly 
 since we had reached those islands, and our only 
 reward appeared to be a passage to a land of 
 strangers, where, when arrived, we should be in 
 complete destitution. On the other hand, the 
 Seals being, according to anticipation, rather plen- 
 tiful here, by remaining for some time it was pro- 
 bable we should procure a quantity of skins suffi- 
 cient to pay for a passage to New South Wales 
 or to the Cape of Good Hope, and most likely 
 
NARRATIVE. 129 
 
 sufficient also to provide us with necessaries when 
 we arrived at either of these places. The 
 American vessel having left, we soon settled down 
 into a regular course of action, and commenced 
 our seal catching. 
 
 We found a house built to our hands, by persons 
 who had before been on this island killing Seals, 
 and it was in tolerable condition — though not 
 perhaps what would be called in tenantable repair 
 by a lessee in England ; but as we had not to pay 
 either rent or taxes, we did not consider it requi- 
 site to find much fault. As we did not anticipate 
 remaining any time, we were less careful as to 
 our domestic comforts than we were at the 
 Crozets, the weather too being so much finer, 
 we had less need of warmth and shelter. On 
 this island there was an abundance of wood, 
 although on the island of Amsterdam there was 
 not a tree, so that we stood in no want of fuel. 
 The wild hogs were numerous, and these, with the 
 chance of fish and birds, bid fair to keep us from 
 want. The climate too was far more favourable 
 than at the Crozets, there being little or no 
 winter at St. Paul's and Amsterdam. 
 
 The number of seals we found by no means 
 answered our expectations, still we caught a good 
 number ; but having no salt — at least no quantity 
 — we dried the skins by stretching them out with 
 wooden pegs on the grass. We were subjected 
 to a very great annoyance from innumerable quan- 
 
130 goodridge's 
 
 tities of mice ; and not the least was their attacks 
 on our seal skins, which they would eat into holes, 
 and they were thereby rendered much less val- 
 uable as a marketable commodity. I began to 
 think we were in the country where Whittington 
 sent his cat, and was about to count the chance of 
 profit that might arise from a cargo of the feline 
 race being sent here, but I soon found that there 
 were no princely inhabitants to reward such a 
 venture. 
 
 The mornings during the time we were on this 
 island were cold, and the mice would then be lay- 
 ing in heaps in a dormant state, apparently dead, 
 but as soon as the rays of the sun reached them, 
 they would as it were swarm into life ; and al- 
 though we endeavoured to shrink them, by de- 
 stroying immense quantities, yet we could observe 
 no apparent diminution of their number. These 
 animals rendered our stay here by no means com- 
 fortable, and we began to think we had made 
 " April fools" of ourselves, by determining, on 
 " All Fools' Day," to remain. We could neither 
 keep our clothes, our provisions, or our seal skins 
 out of their reach, and we were even afraid of 
 being attacked ourselves in our sleep, for the 
 warmth and shelter afforded by our habitation was 
 a great inducement for them to visit us, particu- 
 larly at night. 
 
 One very disagreeable annoyance we expe- 
 rienced from these petit intruders was, that we 
 
NARRATIVE. 131 
 
 frequently found them in our food; for as our 
 house was a circular building, thatched with the 
 long grass, with a hole in the middle for a chim- 
 ney, while running about the thatch they would 
 occasionally fall into our cookery, and by no means 
 improved our soup. On one occasion, in taking 
 my supper in the dusk of the evening, I had 
 the gratification of mistaking one of them for a 
 small bird, and had bit it in two before I discovered 
 my error. There were birds on this island much 
 resembling the English barn door fowls, but we 
 found them extremely shy, and having no arms 
 or ammunition, we could only catch one now and 
 then by stratagem ; but it was very cheering to 
 us to hear the cocks crow in the morning, as it 
 associated in our minds the idea of our native 
 land. There were King Penguin Rookeries on 
 this island also, but it was not the season for 
 procuring eggs. We had also Mollymocks, Peeos, 
 Night Hawks, &c. 
 
 We caught five Hogs, and kept them alive in a 
 cave* adjoining our dwelling, feeding them on the 
 mice we were able to heap together and kill while 
 they lay dormant ; and those Hogs we kept as a 
 sort of reserve stock, either for our own iise, or 
 
 * The mouth of this cave was about eight feet across, and we 
 tried to convert it into a pit-fall, to catch more Hogs, by placing 
 a few sticks across, and over them some brush wood ; we then 
 laid some Craw-fish over all, but the Hogs were too cunning for 
 us, for we were not able to catch any in this way. 
 
132 goodridge's 
 
 to take with us in case of meeting a vessel to give 
 us a passage. 
 
 We were obliged to use some address to take 
 those Hogs. We had first to kill a Seal, and ha- 
 ving skinned it, leave the body in their track ; se- 
 veral of them would soon get round it, and eagerly 
 commence eating the carcase, and while thus em- 
 ployed, one of us would approach quietly behind 
 them, and having seized one by the leg, hold it on 
 till our companions in waiting came up, and either 
 secured or dispatched it. 
 
 There were immense numbers of Craw-fish 
 around this island, and by tying a piece of pork to 
 a line and throwing it into the sea, we could catch 
 any quantity we desired, as they would attach 
 themselves to it in numbers, and we had only to 
 pull them up. We did not often make use of 
 them, as the American captain had provided us 
 with a fishing line and hooks, and this gave us an 
 opportunity of always procuring a supply of pre- 
 ferable fish. 
 
 We discovered on the island two goats, male 
 and female, with two kids ; and those we consi- 
 dered had been left on the island by the previous 
 occupants of our house. 
 
 Our bread lasted us only till the 12th of May, 
 and we were then obliged again to live solely on 
 animal food and fish, with the exception of tur- 
 nip tops, which we procured from a small plot of 
 turnips, the seed for which must have been sown 
 
NARRATIVE. 133 
 
 by some previous occupants. The turnips how- 
 ever were too small for use, but the tops we boiled 
 up in our soup. 
 
 We saw several vessels pass the island, and 
 made signals to them, but they either did not see 
 them, or the wind was too boisterous for them to 
 land; the hope of deliverance thus frequently 
 raised, caused us to feel much more anxious for 
 the means of leaving this island than we had felt 
 at the Crozets. 
 
 I ought to mention that here also we continued 
 our bible reading, and other religious exercises, 
 (having with us the Bible presented by Captain 
 Cox) and that it was a harbinger of peace to 
 us ! the other Bible we left with our two compan- 
 ions on the island of Amsterdam, and doubtless 
 with equal temporal benefit, during their short ex- 
 istence, and we may hope to their eternal happiness, 
 for their lives were cruelly sacrificed as will here- 
 after be stated. 
 
 On the 3rd of June, at day break, as seven of 
 us were laying in our hut, (three of our number 
 being out on a sealing party for a few days) and 
 were expressing our wish to remove from the 
 island, being heartily tired of our semi-savage life, 
 John Piller, who lay opposite the door, and facing 
 it, started up saying he perceived a vessel in 
 the offing, upon which we all immediately arose 
 and ran out, and indeed saw a vessel, but she was 
 at a considerable distance from us ; we however 
 
 M. 
 
134 GOODMDGE r S 
 
 kindled a large fire, and at length, to our joy, 
 perceived that she was nearing the land. As the 
 Avind was blowing fresh, and rather off the land, 
 she could not approach that day ; . but on the fol- 
 lowing morning, it proving very fine, she ap- 
 proached the rocks as near as possible, but had no 
 boat to send ashore to us. They were however 
 near enough for us to hail them, and we learnt 
 that she was from the Cape of Good Hope, and 
 bound to Van Dieman's Land. We now set to 
 to construct a raft of spars, and in a short time, 
 (our will going hand in hand with our work) we 
 made one sufficiently strong for two of us to go 
 off on. This work occupied so much of the day, 
 that we could not take any further measures that 
 night ; but on the following morning, the master 
 of the sloop, for such she proved to be, came on 
 shore, and then we learnt that she was a tender 
 to the King George whaler, which latter vessel 
 was commanded by Mr. Charles Bryant, and that 
 she had parted from the King George, on her 
 passage from the Cape of Good Hope, but 
 first from England. The sloop was commanded 
 by Mr. Anderson, who was first officer of the 
 King George, and was only 28 tons burthen. He 
 informed us that it had been previously agreed, 
 that should they lose sight of each other, they 
 were to steer for the islands of Amsterdam and 
 St. Paul, and there again meet ; that in acquies- 
 cence to this agreement, they had been to Amster- 
 
Narrative. 135 
 
 dam, but not finding the King George there, had 
 come over to St. Paul's, but without finding her. 
 While at Amsterdam, three days previous, i. e. 
 June the 1st, they had had communication with our 
 two companions, Soper and Newbee, they having 
 come off to the sloop, in a kind of boat they had 
 formed by nailing a few boards together, and So- 
 per having expressed a strong desire to leave the 
 island, being in anticipation of some property 
 left him by his grandmother, at Dartmouth,* the 
 commander of the sloop had agreed to take him. 
 As they had however procured a number of skins 
 and had 10 pigs in a stye, Newbee would persist in 
 remaining, and Soper, notwithstanding his hopes, 
 would not let him remain alone. This resolve pro- 
 ved fatal for both, for they had not proceeded very 
 far towards the shore, when in crossing the bar, 
 their frail bo at was swamped, and they werebothleft 
 to the mercy of the waves. There was at this tim e 
 another vessel lying within hail, and Mr. Anderson 
 repeatedly called to them to send their boat to the 
 rescue of the two poor fellows, who were for some 
 time struggling for life, and imploring assistance. 
 To the eternal disgrace however of the commander, 
 he replied that his boats had cost him too much to 
 risk them, and with an oath declared that they 
 should nor stir an inch, although at the same time 
 
 * Since my return to Dartmouth, I have learnt that Soper' s 
 grandmother had died, and the property had gone to a distant 
 relative. 
 
136 GOODRIDGE^ 
 
 they were fishing near, and our two unfortunate 
 companions soon sank to rise no more. 
 
 Soper had been extremely wild in his youth ; 
 and he often expressed great contrition for his 
 numerous follies and crimes ; but that which 
 seemed to press more heavily on his remembrance 
 was his having, when only 16, purloined £90. 
 from his grandmother, which he had squandered in 
 all kinds of debauchery ; he frequently alluded to 
 it, and at all times with seemingly great remorse, 
 indeed I believe he was truly repentant ; among 
 all his follies, it was this that preyed most deeply 
 on his conscience; as to honour parents: is the only 
 commandment with promise, so the departing from 
 this commandment seems to be that which brings 
 a punishment in this life more certainly than any 
 other sin. 
 
 In accordance to my resolve, when I commenced 
 these pages, I forbear to give the name of this in- 
 human monster, for little less could he be, who 
 would coolly witness the death struggles of two 
 fellow creatures, and refuse them that assistance 
 which was at his immediate command ; yet such 
 was the account given us by Mr. Anderson ; and 
 the benevolence and kindness we afterwards ex- 
 perienced from him, is a full voucher for the truth 
 of the information.* 
 
 * During my sojourn at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, in Oct r 
 1839, I sent one of my books to a gentleman, named Duell r 
 resident there, and when I called on him, to ray astonishment he 
 
NARRATIVE. 137 
 
 Arthur Casely, now of Brixham, belonging to 
 one of the fishing craft, was on board the Sue- 
 cess, and witnessed this brutal conduct, with 
 whom I have conversed on the subject since my 
 return. 
 
 Mr. Anderson, from the state of his provisions, 
 could not take more than three of us, and he pro- 
 posed that we should cast lots for the chance, and 
 this was done by the seven who were present, the 
 others not having returned. Seven pieces of pa- 
 per, cut all of one size, with the letter P on three 
 of them, were put into a bag and shook up. The 
 prizes were drawn by myself, Baker, and Piller ; 
 the two latter however, fearing to embark in so 
 small a vessel for so long a voyage, gave up their 
 
 informed me, that he was the owner of the King George whaler, 
 and its tender the Success, and after a long conversation, he pre- 
 sented me with a certificate, of which the following is a copy : — 
 
 I, Thomas Duell, laeut. t Royal Navy, residing at Budleigh 
 Salterton, Devon, do hereby certify that I have perused the little 
 work written by Charles Medyett Goodridge, and was greatly sur- 
 prised to find that the vessels mentioned , viz. the Success Sloop 
 and the King George were my vessels. I recollect perfectly wellon 
 the return of Mr. Anderson to England, (who commanded the 
 Success) that he staled having taken three persons from the Is- 
 land of St. Paul, and conveyed them to Van Dieman's Land, J 
 have since seen the poor man, and am perfectly convinced of the 
 truth of his statement. 
 
 Budleigh Salterton, THOMAS DUELL, Lieut. R. N. 
 
 5th Oct. 1839. 
 
 m2. 
 
138 goodridge's 
 
 chances to William Hooper and John Walters,** 
 and we immediately prepared to go on board* 
 taking with us our share of the Seal-skins col- 
 lected, three out of the five pigs, what water Mr. 
 Anderson could stow, and as much fire wood as 
 he thought necessary. We then bade our com- 
 panions farewell, and set sail. This was on the 
 evening of the 5th of June.f 
 
 * It is somewhat remarkable that Walters recognized the Suc- 
 cess to be an old acquaintance, she having been built in South 
 Georgia some years before, and he being there had helped to rig 
 her out. This made him anxious to go in her, and he felt much 
 disappointed at not drawing a prize. South Georgia is an island 
 in the Southern Ocean, frequented for procuring Elephant Oil. It is 
 situated inlat. 54 deg. 32 min. south, long, 36deg. 11 min. west. 
 
 1 1 have obtained but little information of what became of 
 thoBe we left on the island of St. Paul. I met with one of them, 
 (Millechant) at Dartmouth, in 1835, whoinformed me that he with 
 Mazora, remained on the Island for 12 months, during which 
 time they obtained a considerable number of Seal-skins, with 
 which they freighted a vessel that called at the island ; that they 
 proceeded to the East Indies, sold their cargo, and with the pro- 
 ceeds purchased a vessel. In her they proceeded to South Ame- 
 rica, but not being navigators themselves, and the Captain they 
 employed being irregular in his conduct, they thought it prudent 
 to sell her again. That they then formed a settlement on an Is- 
 land near Japan, which, with the aid of slaves, they had culti- 
 vated to a considerable extent, and that he was then returned to 
 England, to appoint a correspondent in London. Millechant also 
 informed me, that while in London, he had met with Spesinick, 
 who told him that he was in the employ of a Merchant, named 
 Bennett, as a Ship -keeper. I saw this gentleman, (Mr. Bennett, \ 
 in 1843, who informed me that Spesinick had been in his employ 
 m a ship-keeper, up to the time of his death, which had occurred. 
 
NARRATIVE. 139 
 
 The crew of the sloop consisted of the com- 
 mander Mr. Anderson, and seven men, and with 
 us three made eleven. Mr. Anderson therefore 
 put himself to great inconvenience even to take 
 three, more particularly as our voyage turned out 
 extremely boisterous, and also as it took us 
 thirty-six days before we reached the river Der- 
 went. 
 
 Ten days before our arrival in the river, our 
 fuel was entirely spent, and during the remainder 
 of the time, what animal food we made use of we 
 were obliged to eat raw, and our provisions and 
 water also became very short, so that we were all 
 obliged to be put on short allowance, a 4lb. piece 
 of pork being divided amongst the eleven daily ; 
 and three days before our arrival we had only a 
 
 three years previous. I made particular enquiry of Millechant, 
 what became of the Bible presented to us by Capt. Cox, it having 
 been left with those who remained on the island of St. Paul's ; 
 I am sorry to say, however, he could afford no clue to trace its 
 final history. It has been observed to me as a matter of regret, 
 that I could not give a more detailed account of it. Had this 
 been offered as a work of fiction, like De Foe's much and justly 
 admired work, Robinson Crusoe, additional interest might no 
 doubt have been imparted to it, but being published as a " state- 
 ment of facts," I could not deviate from the strict line of truth. 
 — Captain Veale, (I learnt from R. Brooks, esq.,) in 1843, com- 
 manded the ship Achilles, belonging to him, trading from Lon- 
 don to New South Wales, and Van Dieman's Land. Jarvis Veale, 
 the Captain's brother, went to America, where he died about 
 8 years since, leaving a widow and one child. Petherbridge sails 
 in a vessel in and out of Dartmouth. These were the three who 
 proceeded to the Isle of France, in the American Schooner. 
 
140 goodridge's 
 
 small quantity of bread-dust remaining, which 
 was also allowanced out amongst us very sparing- 
 ly ; added to this the scurvy broke out amongst us ; 
 I was myself so ill in it, that although I was pres- 
 sed with hunger to a great degree, I could not 
 venture to eat the raw salt pork. 
 
 To our great joy, on the 7th of July, we made 
 the western coast of Van Dieman's Land, and on 
 the following night we saw the fires of the natives, 
 but we were afraid to land, and it was not until 
 Friday, the 11th at day-light in the morning, that 
 we entered the Derwent, and were boarded by 
 Mr. James Kelly, the Pilot, who soon brought us 
 to an anchor in Sulivan's Cove, Hobart -Town. 
 We were then boarded by Dr. E. F. Bromley, 
 port officer. 
 
 It was a matter of great astonishment to the 
 inhabitants of Hobart Town, how, in such a 
 small craft, and with such a protracted and bois- 
 terous voyage, we ever arrived safe, so small a 
 vessel never before having been known to make 
 such a trip ; but the never-failing hand of the 
 Almighty was over us, and nothing is impossible 
 with him. 
 
 On going ashore at Hobart Town, Dr. E. F. 
 Bromley took us to his house, and treated us 
 with great humanity, paying us every attention 
 our weakness from the scurvy required, and in all 
 other respects acting the Good Samaritan, 
 allowing us to lodge in the apartments with his 
 
NARRATIVE. 141 
 
 boats crew. Up to our arrival we had nothing to 
 cover us but our Seal-skin clothes, and our appear- 
 ance attracted considerable curiosity. A number 
 of persons came down to look at us; among 
 others Mr. James Woodhouse, of Pilton, Barn- 
 staple, Devon, who was then at Hobart Town.* 
 
 Our first introduction to Dr. Bromley was in 
 consequence of his having in his employ a man 
 named Richard Sands, who had been sentenced to 
 14 years' transportation for an attack on some re- 
 venue officers, on the coast of Cornwall, about the 
 year 1819, and who recognised Hooper as an old 
 shipmate on board the Albion, 74, during the late 
 American war, in 1814. 
 
 I was somewhat startled, in the morning after 
 my first night's lodging on shore, to see at the 
 head of my sleeping place, the grim skeleton head 
 of a New Zealander, preserved in the New Zea- 
 land fashion. These heads were then obtained from 
 the natives, in exchange for powder, &c. and are 
 kept as articles of curiosity, to fill a niche in a 
 museum, as our English collectors are in the ha- 
 bit of doing with Egyptian mummies. 
 
 The King George whaler, to which the sloop 
 Success was a tender, did not arrive till ten days 
 after us, and Captain Bryant was much astonished 
 at finding the sloop there before him. He also 
 had had a very boisterous passage, had shipped 
 many heavy seas, and his vessel was in a very 
 
 * See certificate at the commencement of the book. 
 
142 goodridge's 
 
 leaky condition when she reached Hobart Town ; 
 whilst the sloop had floated over the seas like a 
 cork, and kept perfectly dry. 
 
 Mr. Anderson being the only person of the 
 crew who knew navigation, I assisted him in 
 keeping the sloop's reckoning, for which service, 
 though doubly paid by his kindness, he expressed 
 his warm ackowledgments. 
 
 Our Seal-skins were purchased of us, or rather 
 disposed of, by a person to whom we were intro- 
 duced, and who considered us well paid, at about 
 half the money he made of them, pocketing about 
 £30 by the transaction. But here again I shall 
 throw a veil over the page — for where I cannot 
 praise I forbear to censure. 
 
 The day after our arrival in Hobart Town, a 
 most extraordinary circumstance occurred, and 
 which would almost supply an incident for a 
 romance : the Elizabeth, Capt. K. Dacre, arrived 
 from England, and on board of her Mr. Brooks,* 
 one of the owners of the Princess of Wales, the 
 vessel -in which we sailed from England, and in 
 which we were cast away ; Dr. Bromley with his 
 usual hospitality, had invited the captain and Mr. 
 Brooks to dine with him, and in the course of the 
 evening's conversation, Mr. Brooks mentioned, 
 that he had, above two years before, given up a 
 
 * The Author has in his possession the Hobart Town News- 
 paper, giving an account of the arrival of the Elizabeth^ and 
 also of the Success sloop, and King George whaler. 
 
NARRATIVE. 143 
 
 vessel as lost in the South Seas, which had sailed 
 from the Thames in May, 1820. The coinci- 
 dence immediately struck Dr. Bromley, and he 
 said that he really believed he had, at that time, 
 some of the crew of the identical vessel under his 
 roof. 
 
 We were retired to rest, but on the following 
 morning, Mr. Brooks again called, and soon con- 
 vinced himself that Dr. Bromley's conjecture was 
 correct. Mr. B. was not more astonished than 
 pleased, at thus meeting so unexpectedly those 
 whom he had so long considered lost, more parti- 
 cularly as it aiforded him an opportunity of prov- 
 ing the loss of the vessel, and thereby recovering 
 the insurance. 
 
 We gave him a full and correct narrative of all 
 that had befallen us, and on the Monday follow- 
 ing, that day being Saturday, we accompanied 
 him to the office of A. W. H. Humphrey, Esq., 
 who was then the chief Police Magistrate, and 
 swore to the protest of the loss of the Princess of 
 Wales. 
 
 Dr. Bromley set on foot a subscription for us, 
 heading it with his own name for one pound, to 
 which Mr. Brooks* added two more, and Captain 
 Dacre thirty shillings ; but only two pounds be- 
 sides these sums were raised for us. 
 
 * In August 1843, I had the pleasure of waiting on this kind 
 friend at his Chambers, Cornhill, London. After making myself 
 known, (for I had not seen him since 1823, when at Hobart 
 Town,) he received me very kindly, and informed me that he still 
 
144 goodridge's 
 
 This want of charity in the gentlemen of Ho- 
 bart Town, I should have passed over, but the 
 contrast afforded by those I have named, in jus- 
 tice demanded its notice ; it is also just that I 
 should add, from my subsequent knowledge, that 
 a very great improvement in this respect has taken 
 place since that period; and also in justice I must 
 further add, that that improvement owes its ad- 
 vance, in a great measure, to a gentleman whose 
 name will ever stand high in that colony, as the 
 promoter of every benevolent and praiseworthy 
 institution, I mean his excellency Colonel George 
 Arthur;* and I feel proud at being thus able to 
 
 carried on the shipping trade to New South Wales and Van Die- 
 man's Land, and had vessels always running with passengers and 
 freights. I presented him with a copy of my work, and pointed 
 out to him the incident stated above, and told him that many 
 persons considered this a fiction. I waited on him again in a 
 few days, when he had read the narrative, and at my request he 
 gave me a certificate of its authenticity (see copy among opin- 
 ions of the Press, &c. at beginning of the book) . 
 
 * Now Major General Sir George Arthur, Bart, late Governor 
 of Bombay. I have great pleasure in bearing witness to the 
 indefatigable zeal of this gentleman in promoting moral and 
 religious discipline. On every Sabbath morning, all the troops 
 would be marched to St. David's Church, when all those who 
 preferred attending other places of worship, were allowed to file 
 off ; at the close of the services, they were all obliged to return 
 in front of St. David's Church, and march back to the barracks, 
 and this liberal example had a most beneficial effect in uniting all 
 denominations in aiding his benevolent endeavours. He pro- 
 moted the same moral and religious principles among all classes, 
 and especially among those of the Prisoners of the Crown, who 
 were transported thjther. 
 
NARRATIVE. 145 
 
 bear my humble testimony to his universally ack- 
 nowledged worth. 
 
 Captain Dacre very kindly offered us all berths 
 on board his ship, but only John Walters went 
 with him, having a wife in London, and feeling 
 therefore anxious to return. 
 
 I afterwards met poor Walters in Van Dieman's 
 Land, on his return thither, as boatswain on board 
 the Elizabeth, Captain Collins, and learnt from 
 him, that on his arrival in London, and going to 
 . see his wife, he found her married to another, 
 so he gave up his prior claim, and again set sail, 
 considering the ocean, after all the tricks it had 
 played him, a less fickle mistress, than, to say the 
 least, his somewhat impatient rib. In justice 
 however to Mrs. Walters, (for I am sure it would 
 be most ungallant for me to throw a shadow of un- 
 deserved blame on the fair sex, when I have avoided 
 casting just censure on the lords of the creation,) 
 I must state, that she did not take this step with- 
 out advising with the owners of, and others con- 
 nected with, the Princess of Wales, nor until she 
 considered herself fully assured of the vessel and 
 all her crew being lost. Walters, and Spesinick, 
 the Italian who had married at Eotherhithe, were 
 the only married men who went out in our unfor- 
 tunate vessel. 
 
 Myself and Hooper remained at Dr. Bromley's 
 till the latter end of August, when Hooper shipped 
 himself as second officer on board the brig Thalia, 
 
 N. 
 o^WfcwC ^uotArO ^vcM^w 3r^^ 
 
146 GOODRIDGE's 
 
 Capt. Hazard, on a whaling voyage ; and both 
 Hooper and Capt. Hazard wished much for me 
 also to join the ship, but I preferred remaining • 
 in Van Dieman's Land. 
 
 It was now necessary that I should resolve on 
 some employ, and about the middle of September, 
 being perfectly recovered from the attack of 
 scurvy,* I hired a boat from Mr. W. A. Bethune, 
 of about four tons burthen, and commenced tra- 
 ding in fire wood, which I used to fetch from a 
 distance up the river, and dispose of at Hobart . 
 Town. I gave one pound a week for the loan of 
 this boat, but finding my profits not sufficient to 
 cover my expenses, and afford me a decent living 
 I gave her up, and hired myself to ply in a boat, 
 belonging to a man named Patterson, who was 
 employed principally in conveying wheat and 
 other produce of the settlers in the interior to 
 Hobart Town. 
 
 Being now somewhat settled, I wrote a concise 
 account of my shipwreck, &c. to my friends, 
 which I dispatched by the first ship, which sailed 
 in the October following. 
 
 While in this man's employ, and landing a 
 hogshead of earthenware at Herdsman's cove, 
 
 * During the time I remained unemployed, I wrote an account 
 of the particulars of our disastrous voyage, to which I addsd 
 the other incidents as they occurred. This manuscript I brought 
 with me to England, and thus I was enabled, with the aid of a 
 good memory, to compile my narrative with tolerable accuracy. 
 
NARKATIVE. 147 
 
 and the two men who were assisting me being in- 
 toxicated, I being in the boat below, they let the 
 hogshead slip, and falling, it struck me a most vio- 
 lent blow in the face, disfiguring me very much, 
 and there being no surgeoa nearer than Hobart 
 T&wn, I could procure no surgical assistance to 
 stop the bleeding, and it was feared that I should 
 have bled to death. This accident confined me 
 many days, but with the help of a good constitu- 
 tion, and tolerably good spirits, I was soon en- 
 abled to resume my labour. 
 
 The vice of drunkenness was extremely pre- 
 valent, more particularly among the convicts, 
 but I am sorry to add, that it greatly pervaded 
 all classes. 
 
 About nine miles up the river, are situated 
 Roseneath and Compton Ferries, the former the 
 property of Mr. James Austin, and the latter the 
 property of Mr. John Earle, and as we occasion- 
 ally stopped at those Ferries to await the turn of 
 the tide, I became acquainted with these gentle- 
 men through a man named Samuel Davis,* a na- 
 tive of Paignton, whom I had accidentally met 
 
 * I have learnt from Mr. Wm. Austin, of Baltonsborough, 
 Somerset, whom I visited in January 1841, and who returned 
 from Van Dieman's Land about 3 years previous, that not long 
 after I left, Davis obtained his emancipation, by steady conduct 
 there, and had acquired some property. This man Davis was 
 the boy who drove the cart, which went over me at Paignton, 
 (seepage 27,) and he frequently named the circumstance of my 
 ordinary escape without injury. 
 
148 GOODRIDGE 7 & 
 
 at Newtown, three miles above Hobart Town, 
 when going there after a spar for the boat I had 
 hired of Mr. Bethune. This man had been con- 
 victed of robbing the dwelling house of Mr. Tap- 
 ley, shopkeeper, at Tor, adjoining Torquay, in 
 the year 1818, and sentenced to death, which 
 sentence I thought had been carried into execu- 
 tion. I did not recognize him, but on his seeing 
 me, he immediately enquired if I was not called 
 Goodridge, and he then made himself known. 
 This man knew something of ship-building, and 
 was employed in that capacity by the parties 
 I have named, and who greatly valued his ser- 
 vices, as his conduct there had been very exem- 
 plary, for though sentenced to transportation for 
 life, he had obtained a ticket of leave* from the 
 Government in consequence of his good behaviour 
 within three years after his arrival. He built for 
 them the first large boats that had been used at 
 these Ferries. This introduction proved of some 
 service to me, for in the October following, Mr. 
 Earle hired me at fifteen shillings per week, and 
 my board and lodging, to ply in his boats, he 
 having, as I was vain enough to believe, ob- 
 
 * A Ticket of leave enables the convict to work for any master 
 on his own account, with the proviso, that he is not to go out 
 of the district without a pass from the government. At the 
 present time no convict sentenced for life can get such an in- 
 dulgence till he has served eight years with good conduct ; those 
 sentenced to fourteen years, must serve six years ; and those sen- 
 tenced to seven years, must serve four years. 
 
ttAftRATIVE. 149 
 
 served in me an attention to business that pleased 
 him. 
 
 The large boats used on these Ferries are of a 
 peculiar make, they have flat bottoms and flat 
 decks, somewhat after the manner of what are in 
 this country termed Floating Bridges, being railed 
 on each side to keep in the cattle. Great num- 
 bers of carts, sheep, bullocks, &c., having to cross, 
 and the cattle being very wild, much care and 
 attention is required, on the one hand to prevent 
 the cattle from leaping overboard, and on the 
 other hand to prevent their running all on one 
 side of the boat, and thereby putting it in dan- 
 ger of being capsized. Mr. Earle had a horse 
 boat and a small boat, as also had Mr. Austin, and 
 the large boat, called by us a punt, was consid- 
 ered the joint property of both, though it really 
 belonged to Mr. Earle. 
 
 This punt was capable of conveying thirty 
 head of cattle, or two hundred sheep, or two 
 carts and sixteen oxen, across at a time, and du- 
 ring spring tides, or land floods, the current ran 
 so strong, that great labour was required to work 
 those boats, and when the wind was high, with- 
 out great care the passage was frequently dan- 
 gerous, the river being here three quarters of a 
 mile across. 
 
 It sometimes happened on those occasions, that 
 
 our punt broke adrift, and we had then much 
 
 labour and trouble to track it up the river again* 
 n2. 
 
150 goodridge's 
 
 being frequently obliged to wade for considerable? 
 distances up to our middle in water. 
 
 Compton Ferry was on the interior side of the 
 river, and Roseneath on the Hobart Town side, 
 and, as the settlers increased at Hobart Town and 
 neighbourhood, the demand for cattle and other 
 produce of the interior became greater, and in 
 consequence, Mr. Austin determined to build a 
 much larger punt, which he effected at an expense 
 of about £500. Davis was employed on this also, 
 having only a labourer under him, and was paid 
 5s. per day and his provisions, and it occupied 
 him twelve months. This vessel, for so she 
 might be called, would carry five loaded carts 
 with their teams, or one hundred head of cattle, 
 three hundred sheep, or a proportionable quantity 
 of other produce, and proved very serviceable. 
 
 The punts were towed across by the smaller 
 boats, one hand being left on board to keep the 
 cattle in good trim, and prevent accidents. 
 
 Both Mr. Austin and Mr. Earle were men of 
 respectability, and each kept a clerk to superin- 
 tend their different interests. There was also an 
 inn on each side, with good accommodatkn ; that 
 on Mr. Austin's, or the Hobart Town mde, how- 
 ever, was the most advantageous, as numerous 
 parties frequently came up on pleasure, from 
 Hobart Town, it laying near the direct road from 
 Hobart Town to JS T ew Norfolk; but the Comp- 
 ton or opposite Ferry was the most profitable, 
 

 NARRATIVE. 151 
 
 from the number of cattle coming down for 
 slaughter. 
 
 Great good feeling existed between those gen- 
 tlemen, each helping the other with the greatest 
 alacrity, and although Mr. Austin had been at so 
 great an outlay, for the large punt, it was always 
 at the service of either side of the river. 
 
 I was thus brought in contact with Mr. Austin 
 and Mr. Earle continually, and by care, assiduity, 
 and sobriety, I soon made friends of both, and 
 not only did this add much to my comfort and 
 happiness, but it paved the way to my advance- 
 ment. Both these gentlemen were from Baltons- 
 borough, near Glastonbury, in Somersetshire, and 
 my being also from the West of England, doubt- 
 less influenced them in my favour. 
 
 In August, 1824, I unfortunately had some 
 disagreement with Mr. Earle, and left him in 
 consequence ; and I again went into the service 
 of Patterson. I was partly induced to this step, 
 from his owing me some arrears of wages, which 
 I thus hoped to obtain, but it proved a futile 
 hope. 
 
 I had not been with him above a month, when 
 going to Hobart Town, on Thursday, the 30th of 
 September, I was taken into custody as a runaway 
 sailor from the King George whaler, a reward of 
 two pounds each having been offered for the ap- 
 prehension of several of the crew of that ship, 
 who had deserted from her, while she was laying 
 
152 GOODRlDGE*S 
 
 in the harbour. I thought at first this accusa^ 
 tion was occasioned by my reaching Hobart Town 
 in the tender belonging to that vessel, and this no 
 doubt served as a colour to the charge ; but I af- 
 terwards discovered that it was done at the insti- 
 gation, and on the information of an Irish Sailor, 
 in order to fill my situation in Patterson's boat. 
 
 As I had now been in Van Dieman's Land only 
 fourteen months, and had been away from Hobart 
 Town during the larger part of that period, I was 
 not at all acquainted with the laws and regulations 
 of the town, and when apprehended I knew not 
 how to act, for my own declarations of innocence 
 availed me nothing, and the magistrates being en- 
 gaged in licensing boats, I was given in charge to 
 the under turnkey, and shut up in gaol with nine- 
 teen other prisoners, comprising some of the 
 worst characters of the place, who had been first 
 transported from England, and were now under 
 confinement for other crimes done in the colony. 
 Many had heavy irons on , and were covered with 
 filth and vermin. 
 
 Amid all my trials, none affected me more than 
 this, having ever endeavoured to act so as to ob- 
 tain a good reputation, and relying on that only 
 as the means of advancing myself in life. Here I 
 was kept for four days, but I avoided, as much as 
 possible, either communication or contact with 
 any of the miserable objects around me, except 
 a Scotch Settler, who was put in for some pe^ty 
 
NARRATIVE. 153 
 
 offence, and who showed me some kindness, by 
 lending me a great coat at night. 
 
 The torment of mind I suffered in this place 
 was inconceivable, and strongly impressed on me 
 the necessity of that classification of prisoners 
 which has been so wisely introduced in England, 
 and also the summary method of immediately 
 bringing persons before a magistrate, before send- 
 ing them to gaol. 
 
 On the first day of my confinement, I wrote to 
 Dr. Bromley, but he happened unfortunately to 
 be ill in bed, and I having omitted to state that I 
 was one of those who had been brought to Van 
 Dieman's Land by the tender of the King George 
 whaler, he forgot my name. 
 
 Immediately on his being able to come down 
 stairs, however, on the Sunday morning following, 
 he made enquiry among his domestics, if they re- 
 collected my name, and on being informed by 
 Sands, his coxswain, that I was one of the unfor- 
 tunate men who had been so long on the desolate 
 island, and who had been sheltered under his roof, 
 he sent for the under-gaoler to come to him imme- 
 diately, and ordered him to release me on his, Dr. 
 Bromley's responsibility. This, however, the un- 
 der-gaoler objected to do, until he went to Mr. 
 Humphrey, who was then the Chief Police Ma- 
 gistrate, and on his order I was liberated, but not 
 
154 goodridge's 
 
 until the under-gaoler demanded 3 s. 6d. as gaol 
 fees.* 
 
 Feeling that this was an imposition, and deter- 
 mined not quietly to put up with such a piece of 
 injustice, I returned to Herdsman's Cove, and ha- 
 ving put myself in what sailors would call sailing 
 trim, came back again to Hobart Town. 
 
 My first step was to wait on Dr. Bromley,f and 
 thank him for his kind interference, and then hav- 
 ing communicated to him the imposition that had 
 been practised on me, he recommended me to 
 state the case to Mr. Gillebrand, then his Ma- 
 jesty's Attorney General at Van Dieman's Land. 
 This gentleman treated me with great politeness, 
 and told me I should first go to Mr. Humphrey, 
 the police magistrate, and ask him if he had any 
 charge against me, and that if he had none, I was 
 to return to him, and he would see justice done 
 me. I accordingly waited on Mr. Humphrey, 
 and on that gentleman's hearing the particulars he 
 
 * The head gaoler was a Mr. John Bisdee, of Egford House, 
 Whatley, near Frome , in Somersetshire, a very respectable gen- 
 tleman, from whom I had received much kindness when I was 
 employed at Compton Ferry, but I could not induce the under 
 gaoler or turnkey to take a message to him from me, or other- 
 wise I should not have been subjected to such treatment. 
 
 f This gentleman returned to England, and died in June 1836, 
 his tomb is in the Churchyard of Frindsbury, Rochester, of which 
 place I believe he was a native. 
 
KAREATIVE. 155 
 
 told me if I would call the following morning, at 
 eleven, lie would enquire into the case, and I 
 waited on him accordingly. At the door I met 
 the under gaoler, who used a great deal of idle 
 talk to induce me to forego my complaint, but I 
 proceeded, had the under gaoler and constable 
 severely reprimanded, and recovered the fees. 
 
 It may be supposed, that after such loss of time, 
 I was not a gainer by persisting in the course I did, 
 but yet, knowing that publicity would be caused 
 by it, and that I should thereby be freed from 
 every imputation, I did not grudge my trouble. 
 
 I was told that I had good grounds of action for 
 false imprisonment, but as then, like most sailors, 
 I had no very high opinion of law, I thought it wise 
 to stay further proceedings, as I had gone quite 
 far enough to secure my reputation, and regain 
 my money, and he who escapes from law with that 
 may think himself very well off. Now I must not 
 be supposed to be casting any reflection on gentle- 
 men of the law, as this would be an ungrateful 
 return for the kindness I experienced from Mr. 
 Grillebrand, and also to those numerous gentlemen 
 in the legal profession who have patronized my 
 work — indeed, from no other profession have I 
 received more support. 
 
 On returning to my employ, I found the Irish- 
 man who had laid the charge against me, snug 
 in my berth with Mr. Patterson, and on my mak- 
 
156 GOODRIDGE's 
 
 ing the latter acquainted with his conduct, he was 
 politely requested to leave his quarters. I re- 
 turned to the same employ, and continued in it till 
 the November following, when, finding that my 
 arrears with Patterson were increasing rather than 
 decreasing, I left him and went two voyages* in a 
 small sloop which traded up the Derwent after 
 wheat as far as Pitwater, which is about sixteen 
 miles from Hobart Town by land, but taking the 
 windings of the river, about fifty miles. The sloop 
 was then laid up. 
 
 Large quantities of Mullet are caught in this 
 river; and on one occasion, having purchased 
 some from a man who had caught and salted a 
 large number, myself and companion partook of 
 some for supper, and we were shortly afterwards 
 seized with giddiness, accompanied by excruciating 
 pains ; many other persons who had partaken of 
 
 * In one of those voyages we were freighted by a man named 
 Charles Routley, who was in partnership with a Mr. Butler. Mr. 
 Butler was missed, and shortly after Routley took to the Bush, 
 and became the terror of the neighbourhood. He was subse- 
 quently tried and found guilty of stealing Bullocks, and this led 
 to his being charged with the murder of a Mr. Buckley, of which 
 he was also found guilty, and on the 18th of September, 1830, he 
 was executed, previous to which he confessed to having been the 
 murderer of his partner, Mr. Butler, as well as several others. 
 This Routley, although he was such a character, had only one 
 arm. I witnessed his execution, and almost shuddered when I 
 considered that I had been in a manner employed with him — for 
 when he freighted the sloop, he himself measured the wheat into 
 her. 
 
NARRATIVE. 157 
 
 them at Pitwater having been attacked in the 
 same way. The cause, I am unable to state; but it 
 was attributed to their having been left out by 
 moon-light, while drying, after being salted. I 
 am at a loss myself to discover what hand the 
 moon could have had in it ; but in hot climates it 
 is very commonly believed that fish thus exposed 
 imbibe poisonous qualities, and sailors are very 
 careful not to hang out their provisions by moon- 
 light from a fear of its baneful influence. 
 
 There are several kinds offish peculiar to those 
 latitudes, among which is the Trumpeter, which 
 weighs about 2 lbs. It is caught in considerable 
 quantities, salted and brought to Hobart Town 
 for sale. Skate and Salmon are also plentiful. 
 
 Another fish found in the rivers of Van Die- 
 man's Land, is named the toad fish, partly from 
 its shape being very short and thick ; it is not 
 eaten, being considered poisonous. They are about 
 three or four inches long and nearly as broad, and 
 are covered with brilliant yellow spots. I have 
 been informed since I left, that a gentleman and 
 his family at New Town, were poisoned with 
 them, and that they all suffered very much, but 
 that it only proved fatal to the gentleman. 
 
 I went next into the employ of a Mr. Camp- 
 bell, who kept the Ferry between Hobart Town 
 and Kangaroo Point. 
 
 The passage at this ferry is a very dangerous 
 
 one, and is carried on in sail schooner boats. 
 
 O. 
 
158 goodridge's 
 
 From the negligence and drunkenness of the ferry- 
 men many lives had been lost, the squalls coming 
 on very suddenly, and the wind frequently blowing 
 very strong. There was also much opposition, 
 7 different persons having boats in this employ. 
 I had but 10s. per week, with board and lodging, 
 which is about the usual amount paid to labourers. 
 
 The boat I plied in had a short time before I 
 went in her been upset, and the two boatmen and 
 a passenger drowned. This boat had therefore a 
 bad name, being denominated the drowning boat. 
 Not a female passenger could I get to trust herself 
 to my care, on account of this cognomen; so I 
 ^et myself to work to overcome the prejudice, and 
 though I had so long been deprived of female so- 
 ciety, and was consequently rather an ignoramus 
 in the art of pleasing, yet I contrived at last to 
 win them over, and not only so, but I strove so 
 hard to give satisfaction by extra care, that I at 
 length became somewhat of a favourite among the 
 more timid sex; and I feel confident few things 
 will conduce more to a man's thriving than having 
 the good wishes of the fair. 
 
 On one occasion, being about to go off with a 
 Mrs. Wade, a farmer's wife at Pitwater, and two 
 others, a man named Williams, a convict, who 
 was employed in another boat, having only one 
 passenger, and being intoxicated, endeavoured to 
 alarm the passengers I had in my boat, by re- 
 counting the unfortunate accident that occurred 
 
NARRATIVE. 159 
 
 In it, and stating to them the name that had been 
 given it — i. e. "the drowning boat;" but Mrs. 
 Wade replied, that she thought there was more 
 safety in a drowning boat with a sober man, than 
 In a safe boat with a drunken man ; and it proved 
 a most fortunate circumstance for them that they 
 were not persuaded to change. Both boats started 
 together, and, after proceeding a considerable dis- 
 tance, a severe squall coming on, Williams' boat 
 was upset, in consequence of his having very in- 
 cautiously and very improperly made fast the 
 rope that confined the sail, so that it could not be 
 immediately loosened, and he being intoxicated, 
 was drowned ; the passenger and his fellow boat- 
 man, however, reached the shore. 
 
 I continued in this employ till April, 1825, 
 when I hired a boat on my own account, and again 
 went what is termed a wooding — that is, as I have 
 before stated, fetching wood from up the river, for 
 the use of the inhabitants of Hobart Town. On 
 application I had assigned to me a convict named 
 Edward Moore, and with his assistance I continued 
 this trading till the August following. 
 
 During this month, in going one of my trips, I 
 stopped for the night about half a mile below Ana- 
 gan Point, and here there was a station, where 
 several convicts were employed in preparing wood 
 for the Government service. My boat lay about 
 thirty yards from the hut, which was situated 
 close to the shore. I permitted my assistant to 
 
160 goodridge's 
 
 go on shore to sleep, but I remained myself in 
 the boat ; and about one o'clock I was awakened 
 by an attack from a thief, who had swam off, and 
 getting on board without my hearing him, now 
 threatened my life if I stirred or made the least 
 resistance. Feeling there was little to expect from 
 the tender mercy of a bush-ranger, for such he 
 was, I grappled with him, and a severe struggle 
 we had, — I at the same time calling as loud as I 
 could in order to alarm my man on shore, which 
 I at length did — but not before the robber had at- 
 tempted to stab me. In the attempt he fortunately 
 dropt his knife, and my boat being at the time 
 laden with potatoes, covered with straw, it fell 
 among the latter, and he tried in vain to recover 
 it. Finding that I had awakened the men on 
 shore, and that he was now likely to get the worst 
 of it, he again leaped overboard, and tried to es- 
 cape by swimming, but my man seized him on his 
 landing, and secured him. On my going on shore 
 he begged very hard to be suffered to escape, vow- 
 ing that he had no intention of hurting me. I he- 
 sitated for a considerable time, but knowing that 
 I was surrounded by convicts, and that there ex- 
 ists sometimes a strong fellow-feeling among them, 
 I deemed it advisable, there being no civil power 
 within some distance, to make a virtue of necessity 
 and therefore let the fellow go. I found his knife 
 the next day among the straw, and a formidable 
 weapon it was — and had he not dropt it, most 
 likely my life would have been sacrificed. 
 
NARRATIVE. 161 
 
 Here again I had fresh cause for thankfulness 
 to that Almighty Being, who had on so many oc- 
 casions preserved me, and in this instance in such 
 imminent danger — for whilst asleep and unarmed, 
 I was attacked by a man, who, made desperate by 
 his being an outlaw to society, his own existence 
 therefore at stake, plunder in expectation, and my 
 life the only obstacle, was ripe for the most dread- 
 ful exigency ; and what but an over-ruling Provi- 
 dence could have preserved me ? During the time 
 I was in this boat, and having been obliged to wait 
 for the tide at one of the wood farms belonging to 
 Major Honor, opposite Anagan Point, seeing some 
 of the natives near, curiosity led me and my man 
 to venture among them. We found them broil- 
 ing an oppossum, entrails and all, which, when 
 cooked, they partook of with good appetites, and 
 invited us by motions to join them. After this 
 meal they began a kind of dance, all hands repeat- 
 ing the word corobory. We remained among 
 them till towards daylight, during all which time 
 they continued their revelry. They appeared to 
 us a harmless people, though since they have 
 proved very dangerous neighbours — for some of 
 the most desperate convicts preferring to live by 
 plunder rather than in lengthened servitude, join- 
 ing the natives, and becoming bush-rangers, have 
 frequently instigated them to attack the families 
 of the settlers, and rob their dwellings, and cruelty 
 
 and murder have often been the result 
 
 o 2. 
 
162 goodridge's 
 
 I shortly after this met Mr. Earle, my old em- 
 ployer. He very kindly enquired after my welfare, 
 and after some further conversation, offered to let 
 me a much larger boat, on very advantageous 
 terms, and with an assurance of plenty of employ- 
 ment for her. This boat burthened six tons, and 
 the proposals he held out to me were so liberal, 
 that I immediately accepted his offer, and from 
 that time found him a sincere friend — anxious at 
 all times to push me forward, and assisting me in 
 every way he could. 
 
 My principal employ in this boat, was in con- 
 veying wood and black Wattle Bark (known in 
 England by the name of Marmosa Bark) from 
 Mr. Earle's farm to Hobart Town, and freighting 
 back with whatever I could procure. 
 
 I had only been one fortnight in my new boat, 
 when my bright hopes received a check, for it 
 being generally believed that by far the greater 
 portion of the Bush-rangers were on the Hobart 
 Town side of the river, where their attacks on 
 property and individuals had become very daring, 
 it was determined to make a strong endeavour to 
 repress them, all the inhabitants rising en masse 
 for that purpose; and, as a necessary step, an 
 embargo was laid on all the boats in the river, to 
 prevent their being made use of by the bush-ran- 
 gers, in effecting their escape into the interior. 
 We were also required to keep watch nightly at 
 the ferries, by an order from the government, 
 
NARRATIVE. 163 
 
 and in which I was obliged to take my share. The 
 active measures of Governor Arthur, subsequent 
 to this, the strict discipline enforced, and the nu- 
 merous police, now renders Van Dieman's Land 
 perfectly secure against those depredators. Indeed 
 the bush-rangers are annihilated, and property 
 and life rendered as secure as it is in England. 
 
 As my boat was thus become useless to me, I 
 consulted with Mr.. Earle, and he told me if I 
 would employ myself in stripping bark on his farm 
 till I could again resume the boat, he would give 
 me 10s. per ton; and the offer was made in such 
 friendly guise, that although it was an occupation 
 I was not at all versed in, I accepted his proposal. 
 
 While thus employed it was mentioned to me 
 by Davis, that Mr. Earle had, in naming me, ex- 
 pressed himself very warmly in my favour, and 
 that he had some intention of offering me the ferry, 
 if I would undertake it. I could scarcely believe 
 the suggestion, but on the following day Mr. Earle 
 himself proposed it to me. 
 
 This was a most unexpected offer, as it was a 
 concern of considerable magnitude — at least for 
 me; it was not however to be slighted, for the 
 advantages it offered, if I could get it at a reason- 
 able rate, were very great, not only in a pecuniary 
 point of view, but as also establishing me on a 
 much more respectable footing than my means or 
 my industry had hitherto enabled me to take. 
 
 Mr. Earle first proposed my taking it at £l per 
 
164 goodridge's 
 
 day ; to this I objected, observing that if I took 
 it I should like to have it by the year. I ulti- 
 mately agreed to take it at a rent of £250 per 
 annum, and entered on it the next day. This was 
 in November, and in December I had a regular 
 agreement drawn up between us. 
 
 When I first entered on this concern the em- 
 bargo was still on, and what was a damp to my 
 prospects in the boat was a source of much profit 
 to me here ; for all persons crossing were obliged 
 to come to the Ferries, and a very large increase 
 of business was the consequence. I was my own 
 clerk, superintendant, and ferry-man, and I used 
 every means which industry suggested to make 
 the most of my undertaking ; I had then only two 
 men as assistants, and yet my outgoings in rent 
 and wages were between £400 and £500 per 
 annum. 
 
 About 2 miles above the Ferry I rented there 
 was another called Cove and Stoney Point Ferry ; 
 but to come to this Ferry it was requisite to cross 
 a creek over which there was a bridge, and a flood 
 having carried the bridge away, I had a very great 
 influx of passengers in consequence, and this also 
 added largely to my profits. 
 
 Mr. Austin still carried on the opposite side of 
 the Ferry, and gave his men orders to render me 
 every assistance in their power, so that my con- 
 cern went on very smoothly, and netted me a very 
 good income. 
 
NARRATIVE. 165 
 
 In' April, 1826, Mr. Earle determined to retire 
 from business, and offered to let me the inn, an 
 estate of 2500 acres, and the Ferry ; this however 
 I considered to be more than I could manage, so 
 I declined his offer, thanking him at the same 
 time for his kind preference. 
 
 The whole concern was taken by a Mr. W. 
 Johnson, a settler, but with the proviso that I was 
 to retain the Ferry — paying Mr. Johnson the rent 
 instead of Mr. Earle. I then purchased of Mr. 
 Earle his large boat, for which I gave him £50 ; 
 and Mr. E. having settled the business, both to 
 his own satisfaction and mine, he retired to a re- 
 sidence named Green Ponds. 
 
 I have stated that Mr. Austin, on the opposite 
 Ferry, rendered me all the assistance in his power, 
 and without such assistance I should not have 
 been enabled to go on so well, as besides the 
 large punt I have mentioned, he had built two 
 new horse boats, and two small boats, and the use 
 of all those were most kindly granted me by 
 Mr. Austin ; in every respect Mr. A. acted most 
 liberally, and I have much pleasure in thus ack- 
 nowledging my obligations to him — indeed on 
 parting with him he said that if I should be in any 
 situation on my reaching England in which I had 
 a chance of trading, he would forward me on my 
 personal credit any amount of Van Dieman's 
 Land produce I might choose to send for, but his 
 dying shortly after was a sad disappointment to 
 me. 
 
166 goodridgb's 
 
 Mr. Johnson had brought with him a superin- 
 tendant to his farm named Wheavel, and this per- 
 son, seeing that I was making a good concern of 
 it, endeavoured to obtain the Ferry for himself, 
 and to this end offered a much higher rental. 
 Finding how matters stood, I gave it up, and Mr. 
 Wheavel entered on the concern, on the 21st of 
 August. I thus unfortunately was thrown out of 
 a very profitable concern, and the party who took 
 it had very little cause for congratulation. Envious 
 persons frequently injure themselves, and this was 
 the case here — for Mr. Austin being by no means 
 pleased with the change, refused him any of the 
 accommodation he had so liberally granted me, 
 and the consequence was, that in six weeks Mr. 
 Wheavel was obliged to give it up. 
 
 I had much difficulty in collecting my debts, and 
 was obliged to resort to the Court of Requests for 
 many of them. I found, however, every assistance 
 in the commissioner, Joseph Hone, Esq,, Master 
 of the Supreme Court, whose equitable decisions 
 have rendered him universally respected in the 
 colony. This occasioned me much loss of time ; 
 but in October I commenced trading in my own 
 boat up the river, and in the following month, 
 November, I was applied to by a Mr. Alwright, 
 who held the lease of Cove Point Ferry, to take 
 it of him. As I could not agree upon terms, it 
 passed on till January, 1827, when he again sent 
 for me, and I then agreed to take it by the month 
 
NARRATIVE. 167 
 
 at the rate of £180 per annum. This Ferry was 
 the property of the children of a Mr. and Mrs. 
 Morris, deceased, and was held in trust for them 
 by Mr. Humphrey, the chief police Magistrate, 
 and his chief clerk, Mr. Boyd. 
 
 I had at this Ferry one large punt, capable of 
 carrying four loaded carts and their teams, &c. or 
 animals in proportion, one horse boat, and a small 
 boat. The opposite Ferry, called Stony Point j 
 was in possession of a Mr. M'Mahon, but it be- 
 longed to a Mr. William Thomas Stocker, and I 
 went on with him very comfortably, as we mu- 
 tually assisted each other. The distance across 
 was about a mile and a quarter, and the place lay 
 very open and much exposed to the winds, there- 
 fore much additional care was required. While at 
 this Ferry, an awful instance of drowning occur- 
 red ; one of the men employed by Mr. M'Mahon, 
 being excited by passion and drink, was swearing 
 the most dreadfully blasphemous oaths a man 
 could well utter, calling for the curses of God 
 upon himself, when his prayer was most awfully 
 answered; for he suddenly fell overboard, and 
 although the water was not above eight feet deep, 
 he never rose again. Immediate search was 
 made for the body, but it was above two hours 
 before it was found, when I discovered it sticking 
 in the mud. 
 
 The dreadful end of this man is ever present 
 to my mind, when I hear persons making use of 
 
168 goodridge's 
 
 oaths and imprecations, which are frequently in- 
 dulged in, even in common conversation, in direct 
 vi olation of the command, which says st swear not 
 at all, neither by heaven for it is God's throne, 
 nor by the eaxth for it is his footstool;" and had 
 such a dreadful visitation been witnessed by those 
 who so thoughtlessly fill their mouths with curses, 
 I feel convinced it would lead them to put a guard 
 upon their tongues. 
 
 Many of my customers followed me to Cove 
 Point Ferry, and would go one way to further my 
 interest, and return the other to further the inter- 
 ests of my former friend, Mr. Austin. 
 
 During the time I was carrying on this Ferry, 
 I had occasion to go to Hobart Town on business, 
 and while remaining at the Inn kept by Mr. John 
 Burgess, (who came home with me,) a quarrel 
 took place in the room where I was sitting, when 
 a woman excited by drink, taking offence at 
 something I said, caught up a knife, and threw it 
 at me with great violence, which struck me in the 
 under lip, inflicting a very severe wound, the 
 mark of which I now bear. Some of the party 
 in the room seized hold of her and would have 
 had her sent to prison and tried for the crime, 
 but I refused to prosecute, and she was released. 
 Had I proceeded against her, her life would most 
 likely have been forfeited, as the law in Van Die- 
 man's Land at that time was very strict ; and any 
 attack on the person by dangerous weapons was 
 
NARRATIVE. 169 
 
 construed into an attempt to murder. This was al- 
 most as strict as the laws of Draco, which were said 
 to be written in blood ; the state of society how- 
 ever, in a penal colony, and the free use of spirits 
 by all classes, and both sexes, required no doubt 
 a very stringent check, to give the necessary secu- 
 rity to life and property ; but since I have left 
 that Colony I have been informed that a very 
 great improvement has taken place in the morals 
 of all classes through Ae exertions of the different 
 Ministers of the Gospel in infusing a spiritual 
 knowledge into the minds of their hearers. 
 
 The bridge I mentioned as having been washed 
 away, had been substantially replaced before I 
 entered on this concern. 
 
 In May, the Barque Lucy Ann, commanded by 
 Captain Dacre, arrived at Hobart Town, and in 
 her Mr. Veale, the same gentleman who com- 
 manded the Princess of Wales, and who was one 
 of those who were wrecked with us, and who went 
 to the Isle of France in the American Schooner. 
 He was now first officer of this vessel. 
 
 On hearing where I was stationed, he sent me 
 a letter inviting me on board the ship, and Mr. 
 Edward Bisdee,* brother of the head keeper of 
 
 * Mr. Jno. Bisdee arrived at the Colony about 1820, and Mr. 
 Edward Bisdee about 1825, and when I left both were possessed 
 of considerable property, and highly respected. Mr. John Bis- 
 dee married his wife from Frome, in Somersetshire. 
 
 The Messrs. Bisdee were natives of Hatton Court, Weston 
 Super Mare, in Somersetshire. I saw Mr. John Bisdee, in 1843, 
 
 O. 
 
170 GOOBRIDGE^ 
 
 the prison in which I had been so unjustly con* 
 fined, took the trouble to ride up with the letter 
 to me himself, also bringing up letters from my 
 friends in England, brought out by Mr. Veale. 
 
 I was extremely glad to hear of his being at 
 Hobart Town, and went down the same day to 
 see him, anxious to hear every thing I could, not 
 only as regarded himself, but also about my con- 
 nexions at home. 
 
 Mr. Veale informed me that himself, his brother, 
 and Petherbridge, were landed by Captain Perci- 
 val at the Isle of France, where a subscription 
 was set on foot for them by the Governor, and 
 that they were treated there with the greatest hu- 
 manity — that he went to the Cape of Good Hope, 
 in the Welch Brig, Hero, in which vessel I think 
 he informed me he returned to England. 
 
 Jarvis Veale, the Captain's brother, and Pether- 
 bridge, returned to England in the Lord Exmouth, 
 Capt. Evans, and on their arrival in the London 
 Docks, they applied for relief to the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society ; their destitute state was 
 made known to the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Penzance, 
 (deservedly famed for his religious zeal in behalf 
 of seamen,) who mentioned their case to the Lord 
 Mayor, and in conjunction with Mr. Fabian, the 
 secretary of the Society, and other gentlemen, set 
 on foot a subscription for them ; Mr. Smith 
 
 in London, who had just returned from Van Dieman's Land, and 
 I think he told me he was goir% back again. 
 
NARRATIVE. 171 
 
 preached a sermon in their behalf; on which oc- 
 casion he introduced their skin dresses to the 
 notice of the congregation, and made a liberal 
 collection. 
 
 A long account of our voyage and shipwreck 
 was published in the Morning Herald, of Nov. 
 24, 1823, from the statements given by Veale and 
 Petherbridge. 
 
 The letters from my friends informed me that 
 we had all been mourned as dead, and expressed 
 much anxiety to see me, affectionately soliciting 
 my return, also containing accounts of various 
 family occurrences, by no means interesting to 
 others, and which I shall not therefore trouble 
 my readers by stating. 
 
 I had now made up my mind to return to 
 England in the ship Cumberland, Capt. Cams ; 
 I however changed my determination, and the re- 
 sult to me was a most providential escape, as the 
 Cumberland was taken by pirates, and every soul 
 on board murdered.* There were several passen- 
 gers on board, and among them a Mr. Emmett, 
 a son I believe of the chief clerk in the Colonial 
 Secretary's Department, with his two children, 
 Mr. H. Walker, Surgeon, R. N., Mr. Commissary 
 
 * This was in sDme measure ascertained by a vessel which 
 arrived in Hobart Town some time afterwards, the Captain of 
 which had been taken on board a pirate near the line, where he 
 had seen some articles with the Cumberland's name painted on 
 them ; which, with some other corroborative testimony, was after- 
 wards published in the Van Dieman's Land papers. 
 
172 goodridge's 
 
 Clements, brother of H. Clements, Esq., of Can- 
 terbury, Mr. W. O. Vallanee (brother to Mr, 
 C. Vallance, 13, Edward Street, Bath), Mr. Pete r 
 Eobinson, and Mr. Mead. I sent a letter to my 
 friends by the Cumberland, but which of course 
 never reached its destination, and no communi- 
 cation from me having reached my friends for two 
 years, they again considered me dead. I had been 
 waiting to hear from them in answer to mine. 
 
 The Lucy Ann traded between Hobart Town 
 and Sydney, but after some time she was sold to 
 the Government of Sydney. 
 
 Mr. Johnson, who took the Compton Ferry^ 
 with the estate, inn, &c. had made several appli- 
 cations to me to take the Ferry again of him, but 
 so much disagreement had taken place between 
 him and Mr. Austin, that the latter had vowed 
 solemnly that not one of his boats should ever 
 assist at Compton Ferry, let who might take it, I 
 therefore declined the offer, not being willing to 
 be placed in such a situation with my former 
 friend; considering also that the want of Mr* 
 Austin's friendship had been the means of Mr* 
 Johnson's not doing well. 
 
 The lease of Cove Point Ferry, Inn, and Farm, 
 being expired, it was advertised for letting by 
 tender, and taken by a Mr. Joseph Howell ; this 
 was in September, 1827. Not knowing how ta 
 manage the Ferry concern, Mr. Howell offered it 
 
NARRATIVE, 173 
 
 to me, and I now became the renter of it, from 
 him, for £180 a year.* 
 
 Before Mr. Alwright left I bought twelve hun- 
 dred weight of wool of him, for which I gave him 
 £4 and sold it again to Mr. Veale, who had re- 
 turned to Hobart Town in the ship Lang, Capt. 
 Lusk, of which Mr. Veale was first officer. I 
 mention this circumstance to illustrate the price of 
 this kind of produce at that period. It has since 
 become a much more valuable commodity. 
 
 About March, 1828, Mr. Johnson pressed me 
 very much to return and take Compton Ferry, and 
 Mr. Howell now wishing to carry on the Cove 
 Point Ferry himself, I waited on Mr. Austin, to 
 ascertain how he would act in case I took it ; but 
 he would not go from his word. As a means how- 
 ever of enabling me to take it, he offered me his 
 Ferry of Eoseneath also, at a rent of £200 a year 
 For Mr. Johnson's Ferry I agreed to give £208. 
 a year, so I had now both sides in my own hands, 
 and Mr. Austin's part I took for a term of three 
 years. 
 
 I now applied to the government authorities 
 
 * Mr. Howell's mother acted as his housekeeper, and I have 
 learnt that some years since I left, a party of bush-rangers with 
 blackened faces and otherwise disguised, having attacked the 
 house during the absence of her son, for the purpose of robbery, 
 she threatened them with the vengeance of the law, stating at 
 the same time that she knew them ; in consequence of which 
 they sacrificed her life. Several of the party were subsequently 
 taken, tried, and executed for the cruel murder. 
 
 p 2. 
 
174 goodridge's 
 
 and obtained four men, and their rations ^ as & 
 set off to which I was to convey all Government 
 property, and also all officers, either civil or mili- 
 tary, across free of expence. 
 
 Poor Johnson became so involved, that Mr* 
 Earle was obliged to distrain for his rent, and his 
 property was sold for the demand. This caused 
 a melancholy to take possession of his mind, and 
 in a fit of despair he shot himself in his bed-room* 
 This fatal act was committed by him on the 24th 
 of July, 1828. 
 
 I had now to pay my rent to Mr. Earle, in jus- 
 tice to whom I must add, that he acted with great 
 generosity to Johnson ; for on his meeting with 
 an accident by the sinking of his punt, he gave 
 him up £50 of his rent, and in other respects be- 
 haved very kindly to him. 
 
 In October, 1828, I was crossing the Ferry with 
 my punt, having on board twenty-five head of 
 horned cattle, and I undertook to manage the 
 animals, so as to keep them in trim, while my 
 men towed in the small boat — but when about 
 half way across, the cattle took it into their heads 
 to run all on one side, and this being to leeward, 
 their weight capsized my punt, and drowned twelve 
 head of the cattle. I had a very narrow escape 
 -myself; I had, fortunately however, a small boat 
 tied to the stern of the punt, and seeing that no- 
 thing I could do would prevent her going over, I 
 jumped into it, and within a second afterwards 
 
ttA&RATlVE, 175 
 
 she turned bottom upwards. The other thirteen 
 head of cattle swam ashore. This was one of the 
 most severe losses I met with, for rather than I 
 would be considered as not acting equitably, and 
 in order, as far as I could, to do as I would be 
 done unto, I made up the entire amount to 
 the owner, being £32 10s. after making some 
 allowance for the skins. The bullocks were the 
 property of a Mr. Wm. Hutton, a very respectable 
 butcher, a native of Scotland, who had sometime 
 settled in Van Dieman's Land. He was so satis- 
 fied with my conduct in this affair, that he took 
 every occasion to speak of it, made it public in the 
 newspapers, and ultimately, I believe, I was a 
 gainer, rather than a loser by the accident, for it 
 created a great confidence among those who had 
 to cross the river with large numbers of cattle, 
 and by that means my Ferry obtained a preference. 
 In December, 1828, I received such pressing 
 letters from .my friends in England to pay them 
 a visit, that I determined, if Mr. Austin would 
 cancel my agreement, that I would give up the 
 Ferry, although it was a great sacrifice, it being, 
 in the economical way I conducted it, a very pro- 
 fitable concern. I had, however, now been ab- 
 sent from my native land nearly nine years ; and 
 the earnest intreaties of my friends were strongly 
 seconded by my own inclinations; for callous 
 must be the heart that can forget the associations 
 of youth, and the scenes of early days, more par- 
 
176 GOODEIDGE 5 S 
 
 ticularly when blended with the affectionate call 
 of aged parents, reaching him from the world's 
 most distant point ; of parents too, and friends, 
 who had monrned him as dead, and in the sable 
 garb of sorrow had shed the tear, as they con- 
 sidered, of earthly separation. My return to them 
 under such circumstances, must have been felt by 
 them as a resurrection from the dead ; and to me 
 the ideas that crowded on my mind, appeared to 
 possess so little of the common occurrences of 
 life, that I certainly indulged in nights of imagi- 
 nation, which to one so situated, may, I trust, be 
 pardoned ; and if I have not experienced in reality 
 what my romantic fancy led me to expect, I had 
 the satisfaction of being received in the most af- 
 fectionate manner by my kindred and friends. 
 But my pen, like my imagination, is running faster 
 than my narrative in proper pace should travel. 
 
 To return, after perusing, and re-perusing my 
 letters from England, and in anticipation already 
 enjoying the congratulations of my kindred, I was 
 brought back to the recollection, that I had a lease 
 of three years of Mr. Austin's Ferry, near two 
 years of which were unexpired. Full of the ideas 
 of home, however, I hastened to Mr. Austin, 
 shewed him my letters — he entered into my feel- 
 ings — I had little need of soliciting him to cancel 
 the obligation I had entered into, for, in the most 
 friendly manner, he said he would acquiesce with 
 
NARRATIVE. 177 
 
 my wishes, whenever I felt disposed to return to 
 the land of my birth. 
 
 With such a concern, however, I had much to 
 do before I could settle all things to my satisfac- 
 tion, and indeed that I did not contrive to do at 
 last. After I left the Ferries were conducted by 
 Mr. Solomon and Mr. Josiah Austin, (brothers) 
 nephews of Mr. James Austin. 
 
 A considerable deal of credit is given on those 
 Ferries, and I had a number of outstanding debts 
 to call in ; I did not therefore quit the Ferries till 
 July 14, 1829, and even at this period I was 
 much too premature, for it so happened, that in 
 that year, the Court of Requests was suspended, 
 a new act being in preparation. It was reported, 
 and fully expected, that this act would come out 
 in May, but instead of its so doing it did not arrive 
 till July, 1830, and I had no means therefore of 
 obliging those indebted to me to pay what they 
 owed; and it happens in Van Dieman's Land much 
 the same as in other places, that when people are 
 not obliged to pay they will take every advantage 
 the non-operation of the law will give them. 
 
 As the amount owed me was considerable, I 
 took up my residence at Hobart Town, and set 
 myself to work to gather in my accounts, but the 
 progress I made was so small, that when the act 
 arrived nearly 12 months after, I had still a large 
 amount of arrears unsettled. 
 
 During this period I spent much of my time in 
 
178 ggodridge's 
 
 hearing the trials in the criminal court, which was 
 presided over by his Honour, John Lewes Peddar, 
 Esq. (now Sir John Peddar,)* and the crimes were/ 
 but too frequently of the most dreadful kind, mor^ 
 particularly those committed by the Bush-rangers ; 
 for as they had seldom much lenity shewn them, 
 they were seldom disposed to stay their hands 
 from murder, if either the plunder or their own 
 safety was at stake, f 
 
 * This Gentleman was most patient in investigating evidence, 
 dealt out the most even-handed justice, and his feelings were in- 
 tensely excited when it became his awful duty to condemn the 
 culprits to death. The Revd. W. Bedford was the Episcopal 
 Chaplain, and the Revd. P. Conolly, the Catholic Priest, who 
 usually attended the Prisoners, and their duties were most ar- 
 duous. The former gentleman, on one occasion, in 1823, in going 
 to the House of Correction to exhort the Female Prisoners, was 
 set upon by some of the most desperate characters, and most se- 
 riously maltreated, and had it not been for the prompt assistance 
 of the chief constable, Mr. Pitt, with some of his assistants, who 
 rescued the Rev. Gentleman out of their hands, he would, in all 
 probability, have received considerable injury. 
 
 t On the 1st of August, 1828, 1 witnessed the execution of a 
 Jew, Abraham Aaron, for robbing his master— he expressed great 
 remorse, and before his death embraced Christianity. He was 
 baptized a short time before he was executed. On the scaffold 
 he addressed the spectators, among whom were several Jews, 
 and exhorted them in the words of scripture to believe in the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved. 
 
 In 1830 I also witnessed the execution of a man named 
 Nottingham . In his confession he stated that he first commenced 
 his career of evil by disobedience to his parents, and having been 
 punished by imprisonment in different penitentiaries and other 
 houses of correction in England, he was transported to Van 
 
NARRATIVE. 179 
 
 About this time there was an alteration in the 
 law as regarded the punishment of death for sheep 
 stealing, &c. and by the exertions of Mr. Gille- 
 brand, more than 20 prisoners, who were con- 
 demned to death for that and other crimes, had 
 their sentences commuted to transportation for 
 different periods, but none above seven years. 
 
 It was at this period, the latter end of 1828, 
 that the famous London fence, Ikey Solomons, 
 made his appearance in Van Dieman's Land, ha- 
 ving escaped from the turnkey of the Newgate 
 Prison, in London. He was soon recognized by 
 his old acquaintance, the London thieves; some 
 of whom would address him most familiarly, but 
 he would not admit the recognition. Others 
 would abuse him, saying "there goes the old 
 rascal who used to fence my swag, and if it had 
 not been for him, I should not have been here ;" 
 with other similar language. This coming to the 
 ears of the authorities, a communication was sent 
 to England, and a warrant was forwarded from 
 thence for his apprehension. He had opened a 
 store in Liverpool street, which was well supplied 
 with Watches, clothes, &c. &c, and was living in 
 
 Dieman's Land, from thence he was banished to Maria Island ; 
 from thence he was removed for still greater offences, to Mac- 
 quarie Harbour, and he ultimately finished his career on the scaf- 
 fold, so that the correcting hand of justice, instead of restraining 
 or sending him back to a honest life, seems to have impelled 
 him on by degrees to the pinnacle of ignominy. Such however 
 are but rare instances. 
 
180 goodridge's 
 
 apparent affluence with his wife, he having pro 
 cured from the governor her release from the fe 
 male house of correction. On the warrant co- 
 ming out, Mr. Thomas Capon, the chief constable 
 of the * colony, with an assistant, took him into 
 custody, and lodged him in the high goal. He 
 was in a few days brought before the Court. He 
 employed Mr. Gillebrand as his counsel (who 
 came out as Attorney General, but who had been 
 suspended,) who contended that the authorities 
 had no right to send him home under the warrant. 
 The case was argued for nearly a fortnight, and I 
 attended the court nearly all the time. 
 
 John Lewes Peddar, Esq., the Chief Justice, 
 presided. The Attorney General, Algernon 
 Montague, Esq., and the Solicitor General, Alfred 
 Stephens, Esq., contended for the legality of the 
 arrest, and the right to send him home, and over- 
 ruled all the arguments adduced by Ikey's able 
 advocate. The result was, that the Governor 
 determined on taking the responsibility of Mr. 
 Solomon's return to England to take his trial. I 
 presume my readers are tolerably well informed 
 of the sequel. He was sent home in the Prince 
 Regent, commanded by Captain Mallard, E. N. 
 which sailed from Hobart Town, January 25, 
 1830, in the custody of Mr. Thomas Capon, 
 chief constable in the colony. He was fully con- 
 victed, and sentenced to transportation, I believe, 
 for 14 years, and again sent out to Van Dieman's 
 Land. 
 
NARRATIVE. 181 
 
 At the end of 1830, the brig Dragon, Captain 
 Briggs, commander and owner, arrived at Hobart 
 Town, from New Zealand, who gave an account 
 of his visit to that island, which was printed in 
 the Hobart Town Courier of Dec. 18, 1830; he 
 stated that while he was there, there were between 
 50 and 60 vessels in the different harbours of the 
 island, seeking for cargoes of flax, or engaged in 
 the whale fishery. Flax was in consequence 
 difficult to be obtained. That owing to the in- 
 troduction of fire arms and ammunition, which 
 were obtained from the English ships in barter 
 for flax, and other productions of the island, the 
 native tribes were growing more ferocious and 
 hostile towards each other. That had he conde- 
 scended to charter his vessel to one of the chiefs, 
 for the purpose of conveying himself and his army 
 to a neighbouring island, in order that they might 
 take revenge on a hostile tribe, who two years 
 before had treacherously murdered one of their 
 chiefs, he might have obtained a full cargo of flax, 
 but much to his credit he refused the tempting offer. 
 Upon his declining the offer, another vessel accep- 
 ted the charter, and transported the chief and his 
 army accordingly, who taking their enemies by 
 surprise killed about a hundred, destroyed their 
 town, and having cooked the bodies of about 70, 
 (which they packed up in baskets) they returned 
 to the vessel with their booty, in order to feast 
 within the bounds of their own territory undistur- 
 
182 goodridge's 
 
 bed, on the horrid and revolting food of human 
 flesh. 
 
 The New Zealanders like most other savages, 
 cherished the most deadly revenge, but it was a 
 curious circumstance that in this affray with their 
 enemies, they spared all the aged of both sexes. 
 
 The chief who had committed the murder was 
 with his wife and daughter taken prisoners, and 
 were brought back in the vessel, in order that a 
 more deliberate revenge might be taken upon 
 them at a general assembly to be held by the vic- 
 tors on a certain day. This was to be effected by 
 hanging the prisoner chief by the heels, when the 
 wife of the murdered chief was to have the satis- 
 faction (to her) of stabbing him to the heart with 
 a dagger. The generals of the conquering army 
 were then to drink of his blood, as it flowed from 
 the wound ; his heart was to be afterwards given 
 to the son of the treacherously murdered chief, 
 and the remainder of the body distributed among 
 the different members of the tribe. 
 
 During the return of the vessel from the affray, 
 the prisoner chief and his wife strangled their 
 daughter, a fine child about nine years old, with 
 a piece of twisted hemp to prevent their enemies 
 exercising any cruelty towards her. 
 
 The New Zealanders at that period, instigated 
 by their chiefs, exerted themselves to an extraor^ 
 dinary degree, and worked night and day to pro- 
 duce flax, in order to purchase muskets and 
 
NARRATIVE. 183 
 
 powder, as it gave them such an advantage over 
 those of their enemies who were not so armed. 
 
 On another occasion when Captain Briggs visi- 
 ted New Zealand, he ransomed a youth who had 
 been taken prisoner, for a musket and some pow- 
 der, whose life would otherwise have been sacri- 
 ficed, and his body eaten. He brought the boy 
 to Hobart Town, and acted towards him as if he 
 had been one of his own family, sending him to 
 school, and clothing him most respectably. 1 saw 
 the lad several times, he was a very fine looking 
 fellow ; indeed the New Zealanders are the finest- 
 race of coloured people I ever saw ; they are of 
 a copper colour, of a middle stature, and very well 
 formed. They are frequently employed in the 
 whalers, and in the trading vessels between Van 
 Dieman's Land and New Zealand, and make very 
 expert seamen. 
 
 By the active exertions of the missionaries, ca- 
 nibalism has been effectually put down, and New 
 Zealand bids fair to be a most valuable and pros- 
 perous colony, the climate being extremely fine, 
 and the soil very rich, with commodious harbours, 
 and well situated for trade, laying about 1200 
 miles east of Hobart Town. It lays also in a 
 somewhat indirect line from thence with the friend- 
 ly islands, Society's islands, the Marquesas, and 
 California. 
 
 Active measures were at this time adopted at 
 Hobart Town for checking the depredations of the 
 
184 goodridge's 
 
 wild natives, who had in many instances plundered 
 and murdered the settlers. A consultation was 
 held by the authorities, and it was determined 
 to form, if possible, a cordon around where they 
 were supposed to be nearly all congregated. All 
 the soldiers were sent out, and the respectable in- 
 habitants did duty in their stead ; but it was sup- 
 posed that the blacks had information of the mea- 
 sures about to be taken, as many of the natives 
 who had at times been employed as servants by 
 the settlers, had afterwards returned to their tribe 
 and had frequently become formidable leaders of 
 the depredators ; and there being some few of the 
 natives in Hobart Town, in the capacity of ser- 
 vants, it was not possible to keep the measure so 
 secret as to prevent its coming to their knowledge. 
 Be it however as it may, the blacks were too 
 cunning for the whites, for very few of them 
 were taken. 
 
 It had happened that one of the most formida- 
 ble of their leaders, named Musquito * and who 
 had previously been in the service of a settler, was 
 some years before taken and executed, and from 
 that period a spirit of revenge had taken hold of 
 their minds, which led them to every species of 
 crime, and they scarcely ever spared the lives of 
 those they happened to attack, but speared them 
 without mercy. 
 
 * This negro was in Gaol at Hobart Town, at the period I 
 was confined on the charge of being a run-away sailor from the 
 King George. 
 
NARRATIVE. 185 
 
 Among their victims was a Mr. James Hooper, 
 a settler, from Bridgewater, Somersetshire, a man 
 of considerable property : he had three farms and 
 a large number of sheep and cattle. He was stay- 
 ing at one of his farms, in the month of August, 
 1830, when it was attacked by the natives. His 
 men, seeing that they were outnumbered, fled, 
 and Mr. Hooper was cruelly murdered. He was 
 aged about 62. 
 
 I remained in Hobart Town, collecting my 
 debts, &c. until the beginning of 1831, but even 
 then I was obliged to leave much money behind. 
 
 The ship Lang, Mr. George Sutherland com- 
 mander, being about to sail for England, and Mr. 
 Josiah Austin, nephew of Mr Austin, the proprie- 
 tor of Roseneath ferry, being about to take his 
 passage in this vessel, I determined on doing so 
 likewise. 
 
 Young Austin was returning to England for the 
 purpose of taking out some other branches of the 
 family, as Mr. A. had made a considerable pro- 
 perty, and wished to benefit his relatives, by ha- 
 ving them out with him. Another nephew of 
 Mr. Austin took the superintendance of the Ferry 
 at Roseneath, when I left it.* 
 
 #In January, 1841, I visited Mr. John Austin, at Baltons- 
 borough, Somersetshire, (brother to* Mr. James Austin,) He 
 informed me that his son Josiah, who came over to England with 
 me, had gone back in December of that year, and on his return, 
 he, Mr. John Austin, had accompanied him back, with his wife, 
 3 other sons, and a daughter. On their arrival in Van Dieman's 
 Q 2. 
 
186 goodridge's 
 
 Having provided ourselves with the necessary 
 sea stock, we embarked on the 13th February, 
 1831. The other passengers were Captain D'Ar- 
 cy, of the army and his lady, and a Mr. Burgess, 
 who kept an inn in Hobart Town. We went 
 down the river the same evening, lay to off the 
 farm of Mr. Mansfield our pilot, took on board a 
 good supply of fuel and potatoes, and then pro- 
 ceeded on our voyage ; passed Tasman's Head just 
 as it was growing dark, and soon after lost sight of 
 Van Dieman's Land. 
 
 It was somewhat remarkable that it was exactly 
 seven years, seven months, and seven days from 
 the time I first saw Van Dieman's Land till I lost 
 sight of it. With pleasing anticipations I now bade 
 it farewell, although to me it had proved an hospi- 
 table land, and in it I had found many friends, from 
 whom I did not part without feelings of sorrow. 
 
 We experienced contrary winds for several days 
 after our departure, and did not weather the south 
 
 Land, to their grief, they found that Mr. James Austin had been 
 dead five months. He had divided his property by will, between 
 his two nephews, Josiah and Solomon, who had lived with him 
 since 1824. Mr. John Austin remained in Van Dieman's Land 
 only eleven months, having particular business in England ; 
 his wife and one son William had also returned. He infor- 
 med me also that his sons Josiah and Solomon allowed him 
 £100 a year. His other 2 sons and daughter had settled at Port 
 Phillip, New South Wales, where they now had flocks of sheep 
 to the amount of 8 or 10 thousand. Mrs. Austin informed me 
 that since I left, the wild natives had been all banished to a 
 neighbouring island, and it would not be easy for them to return. 
 
KARHATIVE. 187 
 
 West part of New Holland till the beginning of 
 March. The determination of the Captain of the 
 vessel to make the passage home by the Cape of 
 Good Hope, instead of round Cape Horn, caused 
 our voyage to be considerably protracted. 
 
 About the middle of April we were abreast of 
 Madagascar, and here we experienced one of the 
 most tremendous storms of thunder and lightning 
 I ever witnessed. It was fortunately accompanied 
 by very heavy rain, for otherwise it is probable we 
 should have suffered from it, — the flashes of light- 
 ning were so vivid, and so instantaneously fol- 
 lowed by the thunder, that the electric fluid must 
 have been in active force within a very short dis- 
 tance of the vessel. The thunder and lightning 
 continued all night, but in the morning the weather 
 cleared up and we proceeded on our voyage. 
 
 On the 30th of April we made the coast of 
 Africa, and on the 8th of May rounded the Cape 
 of Good Hope, with a heavy wind from the south 
 east. We now steered for the Island of St. He- 
 lena. On the 10th it blew so hard, that we could 
 not carry sail, and were obliged to heave to for 
 many hours. From the 13th to the 23rd we had 
 contrary winds, but we now met the south-east 
 trade wind, and on the 30th in the morning made 
 the island of St. Helena, of which General Dallas* 
 was then the Governor. On the following day 
 
 * This Gentleman patronised my work, when I was selling it 
 in the West of England; 
 
188 GOODRIDGE*S 
 
 the passengers, including myself, Captain D'Arcy 
 and his lady, Mr. Austin, and Mr. Burgess, made 
 an excursion to the tomb of Napoleon, which was 
 about three miles from the town. The situation 
 of the then resting place of that, while living, rest^ 
 less spirit, by whose deeds all Europe had been 
 shaken, has so oft been described, and by poetry's 
 imagination sung, that I shall merely say, it af- 
 forded us, after a long confinement on ship board, 
 a very pleasant trip. 
 
 On the next morning, June 1, the Captain hav- 
 ing in the mean time taken on board a sufficient 
 supply of water for the remainder of the voyage, 
 and other necessaries, we again got under weigh. 
 
 There were other preparations requisite now, 
 for about this time many vessels had been plun- 
 dered by pirates near the line, every person on 
 board therefore, passengers and all, were daily 
 exercised at the great guns and small arms, in or- 
 der, should we be attacked, not only to give them 
 a warm reception, but also an effectual one. We 
 had a strong breeze from St. Helena to the Equa- 
 tor, which we crossed on the 10th June, at night, 
 in longitude about 22 degrees west, and when we 
 came in the latitude of 6 degrees north we got into 
 the north-east trade winds. 
 
 Near the Line we saw several small vessels, 
 whose appearance was by no means prepossessing, 
 but as we made a formidable display, keeping our 
 ports up, and our guns in view, none came near 
 
NARRATIVE. 189 
 
 us. Those piratical vessels are generally schooner- 
 rigged, and carry two long eighteen-pounders, and 
 have a great many men in them. 
 
 According to the usual plan we now stretched 
 away to the north-west, in order to get out of the 
 trade winds, into the variables, and proceeded 
 as far as 33 degrees North latitude, and longitude 
 42 degrees west, before we obtained our wishes. 
 This was on the 8th of July ; we then got a west- 
 erly wind, steered our course for the English 
 Channel, and on the 29th, to our no small joy, 
 made the Lizard Point, bearing N. N. E.jdistant 
 about fifteen miles. And now Old England once 
 more in view, appeared to infuse a new life into 
 us ; mutual congratulations were exchanged, and 
 we all began to make preparations for a landing 
 according as opportunities might offer. 
 
 As my home was in the West of England, I 
 was of course anxious to take the first chance that 
 offered. On the next day, Saturday the 30th, 
 we got off Plymouth, and here we had a view of 
 those noble bulwarks of Great Britain, her wooden 
 walls, as we passed close to a squadron of line-of- 
 battle ships, who were out on an exercising cruise, 
 and we saw them exercising their men and guns 
 in great perfection ; but it must be a great grati- 
 fication to every reflecting mind, that since that 
 period there has been very little necessity for their 
 deadly use; and I trust the day is far distant 
 that will see Englishmen again arrayed in deadly 
 
190 goodridge's 
 
 strife against their fellow men. On Sunday morn- 
 ing the 31st, we came off Torbay, and now I 
 anxiously looked out for some conveyance to land. 
 I was in sight of my native village — my heart beat 
 high against my breast, as if it were eager to 
 meet the scenes from which it had been so long 
 separated, ere the means were ready to convey its 
 owner to the fondly cherished spot which had 
 sheltered his early days. The venerable tower of 
 Paignton, forming as it does one of the most con- 
 spicuous objects in the bay, was full in view, and 
 with my glass I could trace many well remem- 
 bered objects, even the very dwelling of my 
 childhood and the home of my parents. I gazed 
 and gazed again — my feelings were too big for 
 utterance, — vain would be my attempts to describe 
 them. 
 
 During the larger part of this day we were be- 
 calmed, and the current drove us till we were off 
 Dartmouth, and yet no means of landing appear- 
 ed. In the evening a breeze sprang up, and the 
 Captain in the kindest manner, ran his vessel as 
 close in shore as he could do with safety, to see 
 if any boats would come off, but to my inexpres- 
 sible disappointment none appeared. The wind 
 was however extremely light all night, from the 
 N. N. E»| and the next morning it again became 
 quite calm. In the afternoon we saw several fish- 
 ing sloops, and one of them came near, and sent 
 a boat on board with some fish for sale. This 
 
NARRATIVE. 191 
 
 vessel was out of Weymouth, and understanding 
 from her that a schooner, at no great distance, 
 was bound to Brixham, I offered the men ten 
 shillings to put me on board of her, which they 
 accepted. I now bade my fellow-passengers fare- 
 well, with whom, I must add, I spent the time as 
 pleasantly as possible, as we each strove to add to 
 the others comforts, and not the least cause of 
 disagreement occurred during the passage. 
 
 I soon had all things ready to depart, and quick- 
 ly got on board the sloop; the captain of her 
 made a signal to the schooner to lay to, which she 
 did accordingly; and on nearing him he accom- 
 panied me on board, in order to satisfy the com- 
 mander, whoever he might be, that the ship I left 
 was healthy, and from a healthy climate. 
 
 From the Captain of the schooner, Mr. Samuel 
 Tyrer, I received the greatest civility; for h e 
 would not accept of the smallest remuneration for 
 taking me to Brixham, — where we arrived on the 
 following morning, Tuesday, August the second 
 — the passage from Van Dieman's Land occupy- 
 ing five months and twenty one days. 
 
 On going ashore I went to the house of an old 
 school-fellow, Mr. James Clarke, hatter, of Brix- 
 ham, who gave me a most cordial welcome; he 
 would fain have had me stop a short time with 
 him, but as I was anxious to return to Paignton, 
 he procured a horse and gig, and accompanied 
 me thither ; and fearing that my sudden appear- 
 
192 goodridge's 
 
 ance might be too exciting to my parents, I waited 
 at an old friend's house, till Mr. Clarke had first 
 seen them, and prepared them for receiving me. 
 
 Both my parents were still alive, but infirmity 
 had put an iron hand on my father ; my presence, 
 however, gave him much comfort. My mother 
 wept over me with joy, — I was unto them as a 
 Lazarus risen from the dead, her feelings could 
 not be expressed, and only conceived by those 
 who have had their dearest connexions given up as 
 lost, and who by an over-ruling Providence have 
 been afterwards restored to them. Since that 
 period I have been called on to pay my father 
 those last and sorrowful duties, which sum up the 
 end of our human career ; and I only of four bro- 
 thers then living, had the mournful consolation of 
 attending him in his last hours.* 
 
 But not to tire my readers with my sorrows, I 
 will only add, that my reception among my friends 
 was most friendly and cordial, and to that kind 
 Providence, which in so many dangers, and under 
 so great privations, threw its protection over me, 
 must I return my grateful acknowledgments for 
 
 * During my absence, I had lost one of my brothers, Mr. Henry 
 Goodridge, who had been carrying on a considerable business 
 in Newfoundland, in connexion with a younger brother, who 
 had previously been his clerk. He had returned to Paignton for 
 his health, but died there. I had been led to believe, (perhaps 
 erroneously,) that he had left property to some amount, and that 
 I as the elder brother was entitled to a share of it. I did not how- 
 ever receive any portion. 
 
NARRATIVE. 193 
 
 restoring me to my native soil, blessed with health, 
 and though with but small means, sufficient I had 
 hoped, with a competent share of assiduity and in- 
 dustry, to have enabled me to spend the remainder 
 of my life among my family connexions and friends. 
 My father died on the 8th of April, 1832, of a 
 seizure, being the 4th attack he had experienced. 
 On the 18 th of Nov. following I married AnnMoyle, 
 eldest daughter of Mr. Wm. Richardson, musician, 
 then of the Newfoundland Inn, Newton Abbott,* 
 intending with the small capital I then possessed 
 to go into business ; after some time however, my 
 prospects in England being any thing but favoura- 
 ble, I should have returned to Van Dieman's Land, 
 but the solicitations of my aged mother and the ill 
 health of my wife prevented me. The latter has 
 now for more than three years been labouring un- 
 der a derangement of the mental faculties, a dis- 
 order more distressing than that of the body, and 
 this has been one of the severest trials in my sad 
 experience. It is not however on all occasions 
 that this exhibits itself, and her malady is of a harm- 
 less character, so that even in this affliction I have 
 something to be thankful for. I lost my remain- 
 ing parent, my kind and affectionate mother, in 
 1844. She died July 23, after a painful and lin- 
 
 * My Father-in-law having lost his wife, (my wife's mother,) 
 in January, 1837, he gave up the Inn, and has not carried on any 
 business since. 
 
194 goodridge's 
 
 gering illness, which she bore with christian forti- 
 tude and resignation to the will of God, in her 80th 
 year. Still anxious for m y future comfort, in her 
 last illnes,* she conjured me never to return to a 
 sea-faring life. As far as pecuniary matters are 
 concerned I have had much cause to regret leaving 
 Van Dieman's Land, having been unfortunate in 
 my speculations, first in keeping an inn, at Dart- 
 mouth, and afterwards in a shop business at Brix- 
 ham ; and my entire dependance, for the support 
 of myself and my afflicted wife, now rests on the 
 patronage I obtain in the disposal of this narrative 
 of my chequered life. I cannot but express my 
 acknowledgments for the support and sympathy I 
 have experienced from all classes, in my endea- 
 vours to obtain a livelihood by this means ; many 
 ladies and gentlemen have not only purchased co- 
 pies, but have furnished me, unasked, with letters 
 of introduction to their friends ; and I should have 
 been wanting in gratitude to them, had I failed to 
 express my thanks, when their kindness has now 
 enabled me to print a new editionf of my work. 
 
 * At the period of my mother's demise, I was at a distance, 
 and from the negligence of the Post-master, a letter conveying 
 the intelligence did not reach me till three diys after it should 
 have done, 1 therefore did not arrive at Paignton till the day 
 after my mother's funeral. 
 
 t Among other valuable friends I shall be pardoned for namin g 
 John Baynard, Esq. of Truro. Through him I was introduced 
 to the Bible Society at that place, and of which I was enrolled 
 a member ; Mr. B. is an active and zealous supporter of every 
 
NARRATIVE. 195 
 
 ]?rom a great prejudice against travelling authors, 
 I have found much difficulty in introducing my 
 book to many families in London and other places, 
 in consequence of the many frauds that are prac- 
 ticed ; any kind friends therefore, who, after read- 
 ing my narrative, may be induced to purchase it, 
 would confer an additional favor by giving me an- 
 introduction to any of their friends. 
 
 In my first edition I gave a very lengthened ac- 
 count of Van Dieman's Land ; but as I have found 
 that it was not a subject of general interest, I have 
 now only given the principal points on which en- 
 quiries have been made, but shall be happy to re- 
 ply to any further questions which the information 
 I have obtained by a long residence in that country 
 may enable me to answer. 
 
 A few copies of the Statistical view of Van Die- 
 man's Land are still remaining, price 2s. 
 
 benevolent institution ; and I consider my acknowledgments are 
 especially due to him for this introduction, as enabling me to 
 render some assistance, however small, to that society, from 
 whose valuable gifts myself and my companions experienced 
 so much consolation amidst all our deprivations. This kind gen- 
 tleman has purchased at different periods, 17 copies of my Narra- 
 tive. I may also be permitted to render my acknowledgments to 
 W. Tweedy, Esq. of Truro, belonging to the Society of Friends, 
 who purchased more than thirty copies of my work to present to 
 different persons ; also to Miss. Hale, of Little Chessel House, 
 Bitteris, near Southampton, who took the most lively interest in 
 the sale of my work, and disposed of 65 copies, and recommended 
 it very strongly to the Rev. F. Trench, of Reading, Berkshire, 
 whase certificate is among the recommendations of the work. 
 
ADDENDA. 
 
 — oo- 
 
 Van Dieman's Land being a colony considered 
 very desirable for emigrants, the following particu- 
 lars may not prove unacceptable, and certainly to 
 emigrants Van Dieman's Land offers many advan- 
 tages, at least to those who have a small capital. 
 To mechanics generally, even without capital, it af- 
 fords with sobriety and industry a comfortable and 
 certain livelihood, and the means of speedily be- 
 coming landholders. Carpenters, builders, smiths, 
 masons, boat builders, tailors, shoemakers, curriers, 
 stone cutters, and indeed all useful trades, are in 
 much request ; but a great quantity of labour hav- 
 ing been provided by the convicts, who are hired 
 out by the authorities at a very low rate, labourers 
 were much less wanted, though still there was a 
 certainty of employment, but the wages were low 
 compared with others, the remuneration to a la- 
 bourer having been about ten shillings per week 
 and his board. Boys often years of age could earn 
 about three shillings per week and their meat, and 
 older ones in proportion. Indeed there was no want 
 of employment for those of either sex willing to 
 work ; and by milliners, dress-makers, straw-hat- 
 
NARRATIVE. 197 
 
 makers, &c. very large profits are realized. It is 
 not however such a ( f Land of Goshen" that idlers 
 may live without labour. The sober and the in- 
 dustrious are sure to be respected and employed, 
 and may by perseverance live in comfort, as wages 
 are good and provisions comparatively low. Clo- 
 thing however, of all kinds, is dear as compared with 
 England. If felons should cease to be sent to this 
 colony, labour would doubtless increase in value, 
 and an improvement in morals would no doubt be 
 the result. 
 
 The general character of Van Dieman's Land, 
 is hilly and mountainous, the hills to the height of 
 between three and four thousand feet, being mostly 
 covered with trees, above which they have a compa- 
 ratively naked, weather worn and barren aspect, 
 being for five or six months in the year, from April 
 till October, more or less covered with snow. 
 
 A settler who has a grant of 1000 acres of land, 
 is fortunate if he has 100 acres that will admit of 
 the plough, and three or four hundred more afford- 
 ing a good pasturage for his flocks. 
 
 To those accustomed to the moist climate and 
 
 plentifully watered countries of England, Scotland, 
 
 or Ireland, Van Dieman's Land at first sight may 
 
 present a dry and unproductive appearance, but 
 
 upon a nearer acquaintance it will put on a more 
 
 inviting aspect. Although, however, the rivers 
 
 and streams may not be so large or so frequent 
 
 as in England, they are sufficiently so to answer 
 r 2. 
 
198 
 
 every purpose of agriculture, and water, that es- 
 sential of life, is more or less to be met with in all 
 parts of the island. With the exception of the two 
 inlets of the sea, at the mouths of the Derwent and 
 Tamar, there is no inland navigation in the colony. 
 The chief rivers in the settled parts of the island, 
 are the Derwent, and its tributary streams, the 
 Jordan, Clyde, Shannon, Ouse, and the Huon, 
 flowing into the ocean, on the southern side of the 
 island ; and on the northern the Tamar, being the 
 collected waters of the North and South Esk, the 
 Lake, and Western Rivers. In addition to these, 
 in the higher regions of the interior, are several 
 lakes or sheets of water. 
 
 A very fine species of lime, used in the better 
 sort of plastering and stuccoing, is made in con- 
 siderable quantities by burning the oyster shells 
 that are found in beds along various parts of the 
 coast. Other species of the calcareous genus also 
 occur in different parts of the island. Marble of a 
 white mixed grey colour, susceptible of a good po- 
 lish, has frequently been found, though not ap- 
 plied to use when I left. Round Hobart Town, 
 where the progress of improvement frequently ex- 
 poses the soil to the depth of two or three yards, 
 sometimes strata of soft clayey marl occur, which 
 have been found very useful as a manure. Much 
 of the common lime-stone is of a yellowish or red- 
 dish colour, no doubt occasioned by the quantity 
 of iron with which it is mixed, and which is so ge- 
 
NARRATIVE. ' 199 
 
 fterally scattered throughout all parts of the island* 
 Iron ore is very general, both of a red, brown and 
 black colour. In one or two instances it has been 
 analysed, and found to contain eighty per cent, of 
 the perfect mineral. Indications of coal have been 
 found all across the island, commencing at South 
 Cape, and showing themselves in various parts, at 
 Satellite Island in D'Entrecasteaux's Channel, 
 on the banks of the Huon, at Hobart Town, New 
 Norfolk, the Coal Hiver, Jerusalem, Jericho, and 
 other places. As the expence of providing fire 
 wood for the different departments of Government 
 was yearly becoming greater, and the difficulty of 
 procuring the wood at convenient stations increa- 
 ing, it is probable that means will be taken to open 
 a communication with the coal districts.* Messrs. 
 Mandsley and Co. engineers, in London, analysed 
 some specimens of the Van Dieman's Land coal, 
 sent home by Mr. Waghorn, of the Bengal pilot 
 service, which they declared to be equal to the 
 Elgin Wall's-end coal, and superior to Newcastle 
 coal, for the purpose of raising steam. 
 
 Of the various species of argillaceous genus, 
 basalt is by far the most abundant. Indeed it 
 would appear to be the chief and predominant sub- 
 stratum of the island. All along the coast it pre- 
 sents itself in rocky precipitous heights, standing 
 on its beautiful columnar pedestals. 
 
 * A Coal Mine has been opened at Port Arthur since I left, and 
 those felons who are transported a second time, of the worst cha- 
 racters, are sent thither to work in the mine. 
 
200 goodridge's 
 
 Argil also appears in the form of excellent roof 
 slate, at a certain spot between Launceston and 
 George Town, but the facility with which houses 
 can be covered with shingles, split from the different 
 species of the gum tree, or Eucalyptus, has hitherto 
 superseded its use. 
 
 Excellent sandstone for building is found in al- 
 most every part of the island, and most of the houses 
 in Hobart Town are now built with it, brought 
 from different parts within half a mile or a mile of 
 the town, instead of badly made bricks as formerly. 
 Flints in great plenty are scattered upon the hills, 
 especially in the neighbourhood where basalt 
 abounds. Other rare species of the silicious genus 
 have been found in different parts of the island ; of 
 these may be mentioned, hornstone, schistus, wood 
 opal, bloodstone, jasper, and that singular specie 8 
 called cat's eye, reflecting different rays of light 
 from the change of position. 
 
 Of the metallic ores, besides iron, which is most 
 abundant, specimens of red and green copper ore, 
 lead, zinc, manganese, and as some say, of silver 
 and gold, have occasionally been found ; but the 
 latter I think is not to be relied on. 
 
 Petrified remains of wood and other vegetable 
 productions, entirely converted into silicious mat- 
 ter, and capable of the finest polish, are occasion- 
 ally met with in different parts of the island. 
 
 Van Dieman's Land has a temperature almost 
 
NARRATIVE. 201 
 
 as cold in the summer season as that of London, 
 and Brussels, or at least as Paris and Vienna. Its 
 summer heats are so moderated, as to be not only- 
 congenial but delightful, to a person who has lived 
 to maturity in an English climate, and whose sys- 
 tem has become habituated to it. However warm 
 the middle of the day may be, it is invariably at- 
 tended by a morning and evening so cool, as com- 
 pletely to brace and restore any enervating effects 
 that the meridian heat might have occasioned ; and 
 while the summer heat is thus moderated, the in- 
 clemency of winter is equally dissipated by the 
 equality of temperature diffused from the extent 
 of ocean surrounding its insular position. 
 
 Except on the days when rain actually falls, 
 which on an average do not exceed 50 or 60 out 
 of the 365, the sky is clear, and the sun brilliant. 
 The atmosphere is consequently for the most part 
 dry, pure, and elastic, which renders the system 
 in a great measure insensible to the sudden changes 
 of temperature that so frequently occur, particu- 
 larly at Hobart Town, under the influence of 
 Mount Wellington, and which otherwise must 
 prove injurious to the health, especially of per- 
 sons with delicate constitutions. The extreme 
 of summer generally shows itself in two or three 
 sultry days, when a hot wind from the north-east 
 at times prevails, so oppressive as to raise the mer- 
 cury for three or four hours in the middle of the 
 day, to 90, and even 100 and 110 degrees. It is 
 
202 goodridge's 
 
 however to be remarked, that the extensive fires 
 which frequently occur in the woods, in the height 
 of summer, when the accidental dropping of a 
 spark will spread the flames for miles along the 
 hills, may be reasonably supposed to have the ef- 
 fect of increasing the heat of the air, especially if 
 the absence of the winds, and the relaxed state 
 of the atmosphere at the time, should arrest, and 
 as it were beat down, its heated volumes on the 
 valleys and lower regions, Were the towns are 
 generally situated. In winter, the frost at night, 
 except in the higher regions of the interior, is 
 never so severe as to withstand the heat of the 
 e nsuing day. Sleet or snow generally falls once or 
 twice a year, but never lays on the ground above 
 a day or two, except on the tops of the mountains* 
 or in the central part of the island, where it has 
 been known to continue for a week or ten days. 
 
 In such a climate, and with the active life which 
 settlers in a new colony must necessarily lead, the 
 health of the inhabitants is of the very best kind. 
 The atmosphere is for the most part dry and elas- 
 tic, and though it has uot as yet been correctly 
 analysed, yet it certainly contains a larger propor- 
 tion of the vital principle than most countries of 
 the old world, the effect of which is to fortify and 
 promote both animal and vegetable life. 
 
 More rain falls on the western coast than on 
 any other part of the island, being exposed to the 
 constant westerly winds, blowing exhalations upon 
 
NARRATIVE. 203 
 
 it from an uninterrupted track of ocean. The 
 weather, consequently, at the penal settlement of 
 Macquarie harbour, is of the most gloomy kind, 
 more than half the year being stormy, cloudy, and 
 rainy, and round Port Davey, attracted as the 
 clouds must be by the very lofty mountains in 
 that neighbourhood, the country bears the marks 
 of being almost constantly soaked in wet. 
 
 An estimate has been formed, upon official re- 
 turns, from which it appears, that while the ave- 
 rage number of deaths from a certain amount of 
 population in Van Dieman's Land is 200 annually 
 the registered tables of the most healthy parts of 
 Europe, as Southampton, Norwich, or Sweden, 
 would-allow of about double that number. 
 
 The diseases to which children are liable in Van- 
 Dieman's Land, are neither so many, nor, gene- 
 rally speaking, so severe as in England. Hooping 
 cough was introduced into the island from one of 
 the female prison ships, about 3 years before I left, 
 but though it spread itself nearly throughout the 
 population, it invariably appeared in a mild form, 
 and I do not know that it was attended by a 
 single death. Adults, and aged persons who had 
 not been affected with it in early life, felt it 
 severely- Small pox and measles were unknown 
 when I left. 
 
 Against this favourable estimate of life, arising 
 from the climate and circumstances of the colony, 
 must be made a dreadful make- weight in the other 
 
204 goodridge's 
 
 scale, in the lamentable waste of life, by intoxica- 
 tion. The quantity of spirits, and other strong 
 drink consumed in the colony, may on a mo- 
 derate computation be taken at no less than 
 100,000 gallons annually, which, according to the 
 population, allows the enormous quantity of about 
 five gallons to each individual, young and old, male 
 and female in the island. So astounding a fact, 
 shews at a glance the horrid state into which some 
 of the community must be immersed. Dreadful 
 as it is, however, it is on the decrease, as compar- 
 ed with former periods. A very large portion of 
 those who first put their foot upon the shores of 
 the Derwent, even belonging to what should be the 
 more respectable and exemplary class of society, 
 were confirmed drunkards, and died in the prime 
 of life. To their ruinous example may fairly be 
 attributed much of the dissipated habits that have 
 so long afflicted the colony. For those in the 
 humbler paths, of life, always ready to imitate 
 their superiors, are never so willing to do so, as in 
 falling into relaxed habits, and in following that 
 which is bad. Drunkenness especially is a vice of 
 example, for nature recoils at the first intimacy 
 with the syren, and it is only by long and repeated 
 attacks that she at last enchains her victim. This 
 baneful example has however ceased to be set 
 by any of those in the better walks of life, the old 
 drunkards, almost without exception, having hur- 
 ried themselves to the grave, and drunkenness is 
 
NARRATIVE. 205 
 
 narrowing the sphere of its noxious influence. 
 Most even of the humbler or labouring classes, 
 would now be ashamed to be charged with drunk- 
 enness, a vice which, not many years before I left, 
 would have been their boast. The wast of property 
 from this cause is immense. As regards wastSTrf — J 
 life it shews itself in three ways, namely, first by ( 
 gradually impairing the health and system, so as to 
 unfit the person for the performance of the com- 
 mon affairs of life, and inducing premature death ; 
 secondly, by appoplexy, suffocation, and other sud- 
 den and accidental deaths, arising out of drunken- 
 ness ; and thirdly, by the crimes, murders, and 
 executions, generally attending those whom death 
 has not otherwise overtaken. One half of the 
 deaths in the colony, at one period, might be traced 
 directly or indirectly through drunkenness. 
 
 With the exception of these artificial causes of 
 disease, physicians have not yet discovered any 
 complaint peculiar to the colony. Of the com- 
 mon disorders incidental to man, which have ap- 
 peared most frequently, are those of fever and 
 dysentery, but these probably can scarcely be 
 reckoned to bear a larger proportion to the popu- 
 lation than in other countries. 
 
 In the former editions of this work, I gave an 
 account of the Penal Settlements established for 
 the reception of different classes of Convicts* from 
 
 * It may not be amiss to guard emigrants, on their first going 
 ut, against calling the transported population Convicts, as they 
 S. 
 
206 goodridge's 
 
 England, where also those convicted of heavy- 
 crimes in the colony were sent for punishment; 
 but as male felons will probably no longer be sent 
 abroad, those settlements will doubtless be abo- 
 lished, and consequently cease to be of interest. 
 
 I will however state, there were three of these 
 settlements — namely, Macquarie Harbour, Maria 
 Island, and Port Arthur. Macquarie Harbour 
 was destined for the convicts of the worst des- 
 cription ; and the work of all kinds was executed 
 by manual labour, no beasts of burden being em- 
 ployed. Maria Island was fixed on as another 
 Penal Settlement in 1825. This was mostly 
 reserved for prisoners convicted of heavy crimes 
 in the colony, but still not considered of so dark 
 a hue as those sent to Macquarie Harbour. Port 
 Arthur was established in 1830. It was intended as 
 a progressive step, for those who conducted them, 
 selves with propriety at Macquarie Harbour, and 
 also for the reception of Convict Youths, who 
 were here taught useful Trades ; but now as there 
 is a Coal mine there, the worst description of the 
 male Prisoners in the colony, or who are tried and 
 sentenced at the Supreme Court, are sent to this 
 settlement to work in the Coal mine, where the 
 labour is very severe. The Coals are sold by 
 
 consider it a term of great reproach, and very commonly take 
 some opportunity of revenging themselves ; they have no objec- 
 tion, however, to being called prisoners of the crown; and if 
 questioned as to their being such, will in general answer with 
 civility. 
 
NARRATIVE. - 207 
 
 Government, and brought up to Hobart Town, 
 and other parts of the island, by vessels. 
 
 As females sentenced to transportation, are still 
 to be sent out, I may mention, that when a vessel 
 arrives with such, they are first placed in the 
 female house of correction, where, if they misbe- 
 have themselves they are punished with solitary 
 confinement; they are occupied in various ways 
 according to their ability. 
 
 On application from married settlers, they are 
 assigned out, and their periods of servitude, be- 
 fore any indulgence can be obtained, are four years 
 for these sentenced to seven years' transportation; 
 six for those sentenced to fourteen years, and eight 
 for those sentenced for life. In case of any misde- 
 meanour while serving a master or mistress, on 
 application to a magistrate, they are punished by 
 being sent back to the house of correction, to 
 solitary confinement, and by having their hair 
 shaved close off; the latter punishment is dreaded 
 more than any other. Previous to Governor 
 Arthur's time, a frequent punishment inflicted on 
 females, was the placing of an iron collar round 
 their necks, on each side of which was a long 
 prong, which gave them the appearance of horned 
 cattle; and with this head dress they were exposed 
 in the church during service. This, however, was 
 discontinued by Governor Arthur. 
 
 The aboriginal natives of Van Dieman's Land 
 are of an idle roving character; the men employ 
 
208 goodridge's 
 
 themselves principally in hunting Kangaroos, 
 Oppossums, and other animals, in petty warfare 
 between their various tribes, or in depredations 
 on the settlers. To the latter they have been 
 trained, and are most frequently led, by the run- 
 away convicts, who have joined them in the bush; 
 and under such leaders they have been found 
 very dangerous enemies. The women are sub- 
 jected to the most laborious employments (a 
 practice characteristic of most savage nations). 
 They are particularly expert at swimming and 
 diving, and the females will with ease descend 
 in from three to four fathom of water, for the 
 purpose of obtaining craw-fish. The weapons 
 used by the men, are spears formed of a very hard 
 wood, charred at the points, with which they are 
 extremely dexterous. They also use what are 
 called waddies, a blow from which in their hands 
 would fell an ox. 
 
 During the time I was at Compton Ferry, in 
 1824, 15 or 20 of the natives made their way into 
 Mr. Earle's large room, and were much delighted 
 at seeing themselves in the looking glass, and 
 commenced dancing and making all kinds of 
 mimicry. They then essayed to get behind the 
 glass, and appeared greatly confused at finding 
 nothing but the wall. They were all quite naked; 
 and indeed if clothes were given them when they 
 appeared at Hobart Town, they seldom wore them 
 after they left, throwing them off as a great en- 
 cumbrance. 
 
NARRATIVE. 209 
 
 The Benevolent Societies in the Colony were 
 numerous, and were still increasing. At Hobart 
 Town might be enumerated: — The Branch Bible 
 Society, at the head of which ranked His Excel- 
 lency, Col. Arthur. The district Society for 
 Promoting Christian Knowledge. The Presby- 
 terian Missionary Society. The Presbyterian 
 Tract Society. The Wesleyan Missionary Soci- 
 ety. The Benevolent and Strangers' Friend So- 
 ciety. The Sunday School Wesleyan Union, &c. 
 There was also a Mechanics' Institution, and other 
 scientific Societies. The following testimony of 
 their value is taken from Boss's Statistical view : 
 — "The benevolent labours of the Established 
 Clergy are well supported by the other classes of 
 the community. Among the most respectable as- 
 sociations, which contribute their aid to the cause 
 of ameliorating the condition of society, are very 
 numerous lists of Subscribers to the Auxiliary 
 Branch Bible Society, to the Society for promot- 
 ing Christian Knowledge, to the Presbyterian and 
 Wesleyan Missionary Societies, and to the Pres- 
 byterian Tract Society. This last, indeed, though 
 perhaps the least assuming in its pretensions, is 
 probably one of the most effective among them, 
 from the powerful nature of example in the very 
 nature of its construction. It is the custom of a 
 certain portion of the members to go through the 
 whole of the streets of Hobart Town every Sun- 
 day morning, delivering at each door the little 
 
210 goodridge's 
 
 tracts, and collecting the old ones, which had 
 been read the previous week, occasionally enter- 
 ing into conversation with such of the inhabitants 
 as may be so inclined, on the subject of what they 
 had been reading;* and it cannot but have a most 
 beneficial effect upon them, and society at large, 
 to see men thus voluntarily exerting themselves, 
 Sacrificing their own ease and avocations at home, 
 to come forth at all seasons of the year, purely 
 from philanthropic motives, and a wish to benefit 
 their fellow men." 
 
 Taking Van Dieman's Land then as a whole 
 there are few places that offer so many advantages 
 to a good mechanic, or a small capitalist of indus- 
 trious habits, as a point for emigration, possessing 
 as it does so many local advantages, and such 
 capabilities for increasing its wealth, by agricul- 
 ture, manufactures, and commerce. 
 
 * Among the most active gentlemen in this benevolent work, I 
 shall be pardoned for naming Mr. Henry Hopkins, who kept a 
 large shop in Elizabeth Street, Hobart Town, who not only gave 
 his time and influence to this good work, but has, since 1 left, 
 built a Chapel at Stony Point Ferry, 10 miles from Hobart Town, 
 mostly at his own expense, to accommodate the distant inhabi- 
 tants. Mr. H. is I believe, a native of Deptford, or at least has 
 family connexions living there. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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 Sudden Death at Radford. -Yesterda^arf^ls^ 
 was held at the Rising Sun public-house, Radford, before 
 Mr. Ooroner Heath, to inquire into the , circun^^H 
 attending the death of Charles Goodrich, aged 74' year., 
 I he evidence showed that deceased had been a sailor, and 
 got his living by selling pamphlets. He had been poorly 
 I tor the last three months, and suffering from bronchitis 
 I A woman named Simons, who had attended him for' 
 some time, saw him about nine o'clock on Monday ni^ht 
 when he appeared as well as usual. As his shutters were 
 I w- iTi 1 lafce * n the moi ^ing, a neighbour of his, named 
 I Wmneld, got m at the window, and found him in the 
 -«droom quite dead. The jsry returned a verdict of 
 L>eatn from natural causes. ' 
 
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