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 from breaking out into an open violation of his orders, by the firm and resolute conduct he displayed, and the strict discipline be maintained, even in the midst of the almost insurmountable difficulties and dangers with which he was surrounded. The people at one time had carried their disobedience so far, as to threaten his life; and had absolutely completed a raft made of the booms, on which they were determined to take their chance, rather than remain any longer on board the ship: fortunately, however, at the instant, it was about to be launched, a favorable breeze sprung up, when, with a presence of mind possessed by few men, Lieutenant Riou, by his remonstrances, prevailed on them to give up a plan which must inevitably have plunged them into certain destruction. The Guardian continued driving about, chiefly at the mercy of the wind and sea; though at times, in moderate weather, Lieutenant Riou was enabled to keep her head the course he wished to steer; and sometimes she was forced through the water at the rate of four knots an hour. At length on the 21st of February, 1700, to their inexpressible joy, land was discovered; and by the assistance of two whale boats, which were sent out from a British ship lying in Table Bay, the Guardian was towed into safe anchorage, by which, this excellent officer and his companions were preserved from utter destruction.

“On the 22d, a Dutch packet being about to sail for Europe, Mr. Riou sent by her the following letter:–

Table Bay, Feb. 22d, 1790

“Sir,– I hope this letter will reach you before any account can he given of the loss of H.M. ship Guardian: if it should, I am to beg you will make known to their Lordships, that on the 23d of December the ship struck on an island of ice; and that on the 25th, all hope of her safety being banished, I consented to as many of the officers and people taking to