The seas were much appeased on the 12th of November, and divers English ships saw and were seen by us but would not speak with us nor give us help. On Nov. 13, the weather now invited us to get the ship about but we had the problem of trying to make sail. Eventually, Tom Reasin with great difficulty got a yard and sails such as could be hand on then were able to make some sail for our port.
About November 15, the ship was within the capes but a fog and strong west winds carried us out to sea again. This brought great suffering which continued about forty days. We were in intolerable want of all provisions both meat and drink. After a consultation as to the best course to follow, it was decided to sail for the first American land we could reach even though it took us to Bermuda or to New England. Our famine grew sharp upon us and the women and children made dismal cries and grevious complaints. Rats that had once been a trouble now became a great delicacy and drinking water was obtained by catching some of the rain.
After eight or nine days, we noticed a change in the color of the water, and on January 4th, we sighted land but in what latitude we could not tell. The land was six or seven English miles distant and a scouting party was sent out in the wherry boat and they returned with a favorable report. A number of us transferred to the land and after we had gotten there, the Captain sailed with the ship for the Capes. This brought about great confusion of mind to me and those who were with me. Afterward we discovered we were on an island without inhabitants which brought us greater dispair. It was discovered that oysters could be found nearby but this harvest was short and the north wind caused our hunger to grow sharper. In our desperate condition with all expectation of human help being gone, several had envied the happiness to die about this time, and it was decided to convert their bodies into food which was done, and thus the living fed upon the dead.
It was then decided that I should try to reach the main land which was not above 100 yards over and then to proceed inland to the south west hoping to meet Indians that would either relieve us or destroy us.
About the ninth day on the island, my cousin Cary brought word that he had seen Indians walking on the main land. The next day I was told that Indians came in the night and had given the women shell fish which the women did account, and they did imagine by their gestures they would come again tomorrow, which they did---(about twenty or thirty of them) and they were cheerful and without arms. They began to shake hands with us and the words NYTOP were often repeated which we interpreted to signify my friend.
After about two hours the Indians departed but promised to return next
day. HANA HAW was the parting word which is farewell.
They left us a quantity of corn and bread to keep us till they returned
to do better things.
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