In the course of the night, the wreck came drifting to the
strand, with the surf thundering around her, and shortly
afterwards bilged. On the following morning, numerous casks of
provisions floated on shore. The natives staved them for the sake
of the iron hoops, but would not allow the crew to help
themselves to the contents, or to go on board of the wreck.
As the crew were in want of everything, and as it might be a long
time before any opportunity occurred for them to get away from
these islands, Mr. Ogden, as soon as he could get a chance, made
his way to the island of Owyhee, and endeavored to make some
arrangement with the king for the relief of his companions in
misfortune.
The illustrious Tamaahmaah, as we have shown on a former
occasion, was a shrewd bargainer, and in the present instance
proved himself an experienced wrecker. His negotiations with
M'Dougal, and the other "Eris of the great American Fur Company,"
had but little effect on present circumstances, and he proceeded
to avail himself of their misfortunes. He agreed to furnish the
crew with provisions during their stay in his territories, and to
return to them all their clothing that could be found, but he
stipulated that the wreck should be abandoned to him as a waif
cast by fortune on his shores.
