ABSTRACT
‘The next morning at sun-rise, he cautiously examined the shore from the boat, and saw the sad remains of his mangled companions. As no houses, or signs of cultivation, were near, he thought it adviseable to let the vessel float down the current, which was very rapid – it required all his attention and pains to keep her from rocks, or grounding on shoals. After proceeding about five miles without perceiving an inhabitant, he determined to moor her in a small creek, and take some food. Having struck a light, and kindled a fire, he roasted some buffalo; which, with Indian corn, made him a good repast. Here the huge alligators often audaciously rose up the sides of the boat – but / her gunwale was so high, that they could not climb over. In their pursuit of the vast shoals of fish, and tremendous engagements with each other, they exhibited an awful amusement. He took every opportunity of securing as much fish as he could, either with the line, or striking them with the harpoon – and luckily there was no want of water.
