A Moorish ship, in setting sail had fired several guns at their vessels. Four sailors who had not had time to embark were ruthlessly slaughtered in revenge for the deed of their companions. Their cruel fate caused much anxiety among the Christians. Several had been convicted of bearing arms, and there was no doubt that sentence of death would be shortly pronounced against them. The executioner was awaiting the signal to give the fatal blow. In this moment of suspense, a venerable old man advanced crawling on hands and knees and prostrating himself before the general, informed him that the condemned missionaries were well known for their bounty and their zeal for the relief of those in trouble, and that far from having taken up arms with hostile intent, their religion forbade their use even for purposes of self-defence. All those present appeared moved, and took their part with the general, who at last relented. The sentence of death was revoked. The Christians and Mahomedans who would have been slaughtered together, were sentenced to transportation to Pegu to swell the ranks of the royal slaves. An unforseen occurrence was the cause of great rejoicings on the part of the Christians. At this period these unhappy people, expecting no human aid, had given themselves up to God alone. They saw a young Portuguese half-caste who had just arrived from Pegu, come on board their vessel. He offered to be their liberator on condition that they would follow him to Pegu to minister to the Christians who had no pastors in that country. This young man Jeanchi by name, was a native of Macao in China. He had been carried off as a slave from Mergui by the Burmese in 1760, and had been taken to Pegu where by his industry he had found a means of gaining his freedom. His abilities were well known and well rewarded.