I now desired to be shewn to the house that was intended for me, and I
found it ready, with servants to attend, and a particular one, which the
governor had directed to be always about my person. The house consisted
of a hall, with a room at each end, and a loft over-head; and was
surrounded by a piazza, with an outer apartment in one corner, and a
communication from the back part of the house to the street. I therefore
determined, instead of separating from my people, to lodge them all with
me; and I divided the house as follows: One room I took to myself, the
other I allotted to the master, surgeon, Mr. Nelson, and the gunner; the
loft to the other officers; and the outer apartment to the men. The hall
was common to the officers, and the men had the back piazza. Of this I
informed the governor, and he sent down chairs, tables, and benches,
with bedding and other necessaries for the use of every one.
[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14.]
The governor, when I took my leave, had desired me to acquaint him with
every thing of which I stood in need; but I was now informed it was only
at particular times that he had a few moments of ease, or could attend
to any thing; being in a dying state, with an incurable disease. On this
account, whatever business I had to transact would be with Mr. Timotheus
Wanjon, the second of this place, and the governor's son-in-law; who now
also was contributing every thing in his power to make our situation
comfortable. I had been, therefore, misinformed by the seaman, who told
me that captain Spikerman was the next person to the governor.
At noon a very handsome dinner was brought to the house, which was
sufficient to make persons, more accustomed to plenty, eat too much.
Cautions, therefore, might be supposed to have had little effect; but I
believe few people in such a situation would have observed more
moderation. My greatest apprehension was, that they would eat too much
fruit.
Having seen every one enjoy this meal of plenty, I dined with Mr.
Wanjon; but I found no extraordinary inclination to eat or drink. Rest
and quiet, I considered, as more necessary to my doing well, and
therefore retired to my room, which I found furnished with every
convenience. But, instead of rest, my mind was disposed to reflect on
our late sufferings, and on the failure of the expedition; but, above
all, on the thanks due to Almighty God, who had given us power to
support and bear such heavy calamities, and had enabled me at last to be
the means of saving eighteen lives.
[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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