Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

386
BURNING OF THE
the dreadful nature of our distress; and we
had the satisfaction, after a short period of
dark suspense, to see the brig hoist British
colours, and crowd all sail to hasten to our
relief.
While Captain Cobb, Colonel Fearon, the
commanding officer of the troops, and Major
Macgregor of the 31st regiment, were consult¬
ing together, as the brig was approaching us,
on the necessary preparations for getting out
the boats, &c. one of the officers asked Major
M. in what order it was intended the officers
should move off; to which the other replied,
“ Of course in funeral orderwhich injunc¬
tion was instantly confirmed by Colonel
Fearon, who said, “ Most undoubtedly, the
juniors first—but see that any man is cut
down who presumes to enter the boats before
the means of escape are presented to the
women and children."
To prevent the rush to the boats, as they
were being lowered, which, from certain symp¬
toms of impatience manifested both by sol¬
diers and sailors, there was reason to fear;
some of the military officers were stationed
over them with drawn soldiers. But from
the firm determination which these exhibited