Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 432

1841.

Loss of the Cutter Louisa.

418

bore some frightful marks caused by dashing against the rocks, it was sup posed we had murdered them. This was a very awkward affair; but we could only deny it strenuously, with every expression of horror that such a crime should be imputed to us, who had so providentially been saved from the same fate as these poor men. However, they would not be persuaded to the con- trary, or they did not understand our explanation, until Lena, by gestures, showed them that in all probability the junk people had lashed themselves to spars, and in endeavoring to reach the land on them, had been dashed against the rocks, which accounted for their lacerated appearance, and the ropes found round their bodies. They went away apparently satisfied, but occa- sionally two or three would return and revive the matter, making demon- stration of sharpening knives and cutting throats. When they found the cutter's arms, they were also very angry, and stormed and railed against us most violently.

All the women and children in the place crowded round to look at us (particularly when eating), and many were the inquiries made as to the sex of old Joe, the commodore's black Gentoo servant, who wearing ear-rings and having his hair turned back and twisted in a knot behind, did bear some slight resemblance to a female; but on closer inspection, his thick beard, whiskers, and mustaches might have satisfied the most sceptical amongst them; they had however taken away his ear-rings, and one savage attempted to cut off his ear.

We had another mess of rice towards evening, and that night slept around the fire, though not very soundly, for we were apprehensive the Chinese had some design upon us, but I believe no harm was intended; people were walking about all night which kept us on the que vive. The wind having moderated very considerably, capt. Elliot proposed to them to go that night; but they were afraid of the ladrones, and though tempted by an additional 1000 dollars they refused; their wives appeared to object to the proceeding, or I think they would have been induced to go. During the night, capt. Elliot made a final arrangement, by which we were to start at daylight on the morning of the 23d, in two boats; in each boat there were to be but two people, the remainder to be sent for on our arrival at Macao, for which ser- vice they were to receive 3000 dollars, and 100 for each of the boats.

At daylight on the 23d we were prepared to start, but the Chinese tanta. lized us by making thole-pins, mending sails, &c.; at last we had the satis- faction of seeing two boats come down the creek, and anchor abreast of our dwelling. The people to whom the boats belonged now refused to let them go unless 150 dollars were given for each, and this after some demur was agreed to, as every moment's delay increased the probability of our falling into the hands of the officers; but no sooner had the blackguards been promis- ed the 150 dollars than they increased their demand to 200, Here our friend Mingfong took our part and abused his countrymen for their rapacity, and de- clared we should not be so imposed upon, he would sooner take but one boat. All was at length settled. We had chowchow (amongst which they gave us