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This tragical occurrence took place at the time the Emerald was under seizure in the harbour. A verdict of wilful murder having been pronounced against young Hippesley by the coroner's inquest, a reward of one hundred pounds was offered for his apprehension, and every possible means taken to effect it. All the parties, however, escaped, after encountering much hardship, and a series of adventures, the relation of which will not perhaps be uninteresting.

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In order to secure their escape, they obtained the ship's jolly boat and four seamen, to convey them off the island; and, through the close friendship and influence of one of the seconds, prevailed on a Mr.W. (from whom I received these particulars) to accompany them. This gentleman's experience in maritime concerns, rendered his assistance of the greatest value; to him, therefore, they eagerly assigned the management of the boat, and after nightfall rowed off from the island, in the direction. of the Grenadines, in the hope, on the following day, of joining the Emerald, whose

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release was hourly expected. Theycontinued rowing the whole night; the breeze was fresh, and at intervals accompanied with heavy showers, from the effects of which, and the over-dashing spray, their open boat afforded little protection. On the approach of morning they found theinselves about eight miles distant from the island, without any appearance of the Emerald preparing for sea. The sailors, from extreme fatigue, expressed themselves no longer able to row, and in the most urgent terms insisted on being put ashore. Their wishes, in this respect, it was accordingly found necessary to gratify; after which the arduous duty of rowing the boat devolved upon Mr. W. and his weary companions, who with much difficulty succeeded in again reaching the offing, previous to broad day-light; when they rested on their oars until evening, in anxious expectation of witnessing the Emerald's approach. The appearance of night and want of provisions rendered it necessary for them to return to the shore; which having done, and secured the boat on the beach, they cauti

ously proceeded a short distance into the interior, where a negro hut fortunately afforded them, not only a sufficiency for their immediate wants, but also a day's supply in advance. Under this propitious shed they continued throughout the night, and at day-break returned to their boat, and again sought security in the offing. There the fugitives passed another day of fruitless expectation; during which an incessant rain not only drenched them, but likewise rendered their small stock of provisions nearly uneatable. They again, at night, pulled in for the shore; but considering it hazardous to revisit their late lodging, they rowed in a more southerly direction, and landed upon another part of the island. No vestige of habitation or other place of shelter was here discoverable, with the exception of a spreading tamarind-tree, that grew near the beach. Under its branches they contrived to light a fire, on which they fried some meat, and rebaked a small portion of bread which had been, by the rain, a second time converted into dough. Before sun-rise they again abandoned their covert,

to sea.

oppressed with weariness both mental and bodily; and having with difficulty relaunched the boat, once more pushed out Unable longer to endure a continuance of such hardships and suspense, they determined, should the departure of the Emerald be further protracted, on approaching her at all hazards, in the afternoon, and secreting themselves, if possible, on board. To this plan they found it necessary to resort, and early in the night, having arrived along-side, Mr. W. cautiously entered the vessel through one of the ports; when he was seriously alarmed at seeing a number of soldiers laying on the decks. This discovery suggested the necessity of his precipitate retreat; and having effected a safe return, the party were again pushing off, when the military officer on duty perceiving the boat, hailed it, and demanded their business; but Mr. W. replied with so much presence of mind, as to prevent any further inquiries. They then rowed to the shore, where Mr. W.'s influence obtained them a secure asylum for the few days which intervened, prior to the Emerald's

departure, on board which they had, some hours previously, effected a private embarkation, and escaped.

The Emerald continued at Cariacou for some time, from whence she proceeded to Saint Lucia, where having accidentally fallen in with the patriot schooner, Tiger, Colonel Hippesley and his remaining officers and men went on board that vessel, and sailed for the Oroonoco. Of their future proceedings or what became of them I never subsequently heard.

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Mr. W., who was on board the Emerald, when she fell in with the Tiger, informed me, when I afterwards met him at Saint Bartholomew's, that the general state of this vessel, and the appearance of her officers and crew, perfectly accorded with every account we had heard of patriot wretchedness. The captain himself was literally in rags; they were without ammunition; whatever bad provisions their stock consisted of nearly exhausted; and their joy, he said, appeared indescribable on receiving from the Emerald a considerable supply of all those necessaries.

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